Joseph J. McVay Jr.

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Springfield, Virginia

Joseph McVay Obituary

McVAY
JOSEPH J. McVAY, JR.

"Red" of Springfield, VA, on Monday, November 27, 2006. Loving husband of Stella F. McVay; devoted father of Barry L. McVay (Vivina) and Dr. Thomas J. McVay, D.D.S. (Karen), Mary F. McVay (Theodore Rosenberg) and Barbara J. McVay; beloved grandfather of William, Matthew, Robert, Michael, and Guiyin McVay. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 6 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at DEMAINE SPRINGFIELD-ANNANDALE CHAPEL, Backlick and Edsall Rds., Springfield, VA 22151. Services will be held on Thursday, December 7, 10 a.m. at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield, VA. Interment Monday, December 18, 1 p.m., Arlington National Cemetery.

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Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 3, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McVay

Sponsored by Red McVay's family.

4 Entries

George Schnyer

June 12, 2018

During the early to mid 1990's when the 50th anniversary of WWII was happening, I came to know Red while researching Major George E. Preddy, Jr. and his aircraft. One aircraft in particular that Major Preddy flew happened to be taken care of by Red McVay. I lived in Fredericksburg then and Red invited me to his home to talk about those WWII years with him. Upon meeting him and his wife Stella, they treated me like an old friend. I remember the letters that he wrote to me in response to the many questions that I asked of him; he always signed "Red" in red ink! I was glad I was able to meet and know him. He and so many of his generation were special in many ways yet so humble as human beings. I am proud to have known him. As I write, it has been twelve years since he left this world and I was deployed in "the war against terror" when he passed and it is now that I have in my own retirement wondered and reflected upon those great men of the Greatest Generation who I was so fortunate to meet. To me, Joseph "Red" McVay, Jr. stands out among them. Rest in Peace Red.

Barry McVay

December 26, 2006

I have many memories of my father, as would be expected for someone who knew the man for more than half a century. Playing ball in the back yard; working on the Ford in sub-freezing weather (“time to change the oil!”); cheering for the Redskins with him at RFK Stadium; watching him play with his grandchildren; talking to him about his role in World War II, particularly working on “Cripes A’Mighty” for Major George Preddy; seeing how he loved and depended on Mom.

One of the most vivid memories I have was his teaching me to ride a bicycle in our front yard. He held the back of my seat and ran alongside as I would peddle away, looking over my shoulder to him for encouragement. Every once in a while he would let go of the seat and I would fall over. It was so hard learning how to stay up on the bike! But Dad kept running alongside my bike, holding on to the seat, shouting encouragement – “That’s better, good, you’re doing fine, you’ll be riding by yourself in no time!” I knew he was trying to make me feel good, because I knew we both knew I was never going to learn how to do this. But Dad insisted that I keep at it, so I kept peddling, knowing full well it was a futile effort.

After 10 or 15 minutes of this running and peddling back and forth in the front yard, I looked over my shoulder, but Dad wasn’t there! He was way back across the yard, waving to me! Unbeknown to me, I had ridden across the yard by myself! I promptly lost control and crashed into the roses. But Dad helped me back onto the bike (and helped remove the thorns) – I started riding around the yard by myself, wobbly at first, but steadily gaining balance and stability. After another 30 minutes or so, I was riding like a professional! I was so proud of myself! And I can still ride a bike all these many years later.

When Dad passed away, I felt much the same way as I did on that day half a century ago. I felt that he had just let go of my bicycle seat and I was now on my own without his steadying hand, watching him wave goodbye. And I felt like I had fallen into the roses. But because Dad had provided a steady hand all these years, I knew I could persevere and overcome even this. And I was glad to lend him my steady hand during his last years. So, as Dad waves goodbye, I wave back – I’ll see you again after I finish riding around the block a few more times. Thanks for everything, Dad. God bless you, and Godspeed.

Mark and Jacque Estes

December 14, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the McVay family. We grew up in Springfield and the McVay family was a big part of our lives. We will miss Joe.

Barbara McVay

December 3, 2006

In Gods care you rest above,
in my heart you rest with love,
Memories of you are mine to keep,
My words are few but my love is deep.

Dear Daddy, rest in peace.
Your loving daughter,
Barbara

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