Gary Douglas Mather

Highly respected business leader and philanthropist Gary Douglas Mather passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, November 10, 2024 at his home in McLean, VA. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague whose intellect, foresight, and generosity made a lasting impact on many.

Gary was born in Brooklyn, New York.He graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School and received Ph.D. and B.E.E. degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and E.E. and M.S. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Gary served in the Army after graduation.

Following his military service, Gary joined the global consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton. During his 43-year career, Gary made significant contributions to the firm's success. He was President of the Worldwide Technology sector, participated as a member of the firm's Board, and eventually retired as a Senior Vice President Emeritus. As president of Booz Allen's Washington operation, he changed the focus of the company from weapons programs to integrator of computer and communications systems. He was a well-respected mentor and nurtured future leaders in the company.

In addition to his business success, Gary was passionate about philanthropy. He brought leadership expertise as a Board member to the Inova Health Foundation, Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts, and Ford's Theater. He also was an honorary Board member of Washington Performing Arts.

After receiving proton therapy in Baltimore, he recognized the need for a proton therapy center in Northern Virginia. He generously established the Mather Proton Center at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Gary and his wife, Christina (Tina), established the Fund for Under-Resourced Youth at the Kennedy Center, and contributed to the REACH expansion. In recognition, the Kennedy Center named them Distinguished Benefactors of the Performing Arts. Likewise, he contributed generously to the expansion effort Campaign for Wolf Trap: Our Next Chapter. Their philanthropy has reached far and wide - always focused on the underprivileged, the arts, health, and education.

Gary had a brilliant mind and an insatiable curiosity for all things. He was an accomplished classical guitarist and an incessant reader who devoured books on all topics. He was also an avid sports car enthusiast, golfer and traveler.

Gary is predeceased by his parents Irene and Herbert Mather. He is survived by his wife, Christina Co Mather, sons Christopher (Anne) and Michael, and stepdaughter Kristen Hensley (Drew), and four grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Center for Education for Wolf Trap on December 7 at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a reception at Wolf Trap. After the reception, Gary will be entombed at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington.

The funeral services are being provided by Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA.

In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made in Gary's name to benefit A Place To Be, Inova Foundation, Wolf Trap, or Washington Performing Arts.