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ROGER MACHANIC Obituary


MACHANIC ROGER MACHANIC Visionary Alexandria, Virginia, real estate developer, businessman, philanthropist and mentor to many, died peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, from complications of Alzheimer''s disease. He was 83. Roger was born March 11, 1933, in Burlington, Vermont, where he attended Burlington High School and was the Vermont State Discus Champion. He attended Harvard University on full scholarship and graduated cum laude in 1955, majoring in economics and lettering in track and field. After Harvard, Roger served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Ulm, Germany. At the advice of his older brother David Machanic, who was working in the Washington, DC area as an attorney, Roger settled in Washington, DC following his honorable discharge from the Army. He began his business career in 1958 as a stockbroker at Bellamah, Neuhauser & Barrett, followed by Ferris & Co. until 1963. In 1963, Roger married his wife, Grace, and began his real estate development career renovating residential properties in Washington, DC. This led to residential and commercial development projects, mainly in Old Town, Alexandria, VA, where he and Grace established their now 50-year-long residency. He founded several real estate companies and partnerships over the years but the best known was Development Resources, Inc. ("DRI"), which exists today as a division of Transwestern. His partners for many years were Greg and Candy Fazakerley, who purchased DRI from Roger in 1983 and greatly expanded its commercial development business throughout the DC metro region. Roger was known for his vision and influence in the development of Alexandria from a sleepy, undeveloped "small town'' to the vibrant hub it became. He was friend and counsel to many a politician, community leader, and businessman and woman. Over the years, many encouraged him to run for local office, to which he always humbly responded that he preferred a private, quiet life shared with his family. Roger''s other business interests and ventures over the years included serving as chairman of a savings and loan, the purchasing of The Montgomery Center, a city block in Old Town North with business partner, Major General Darrie H. Richards (ret.), and the founding of The Crilley Warehouse Executive Office Suites. Some of his most satisfying work came however as a mentor to many local up and coming businessmen and women in the Northern Virginia area. Roger was actively involved in numerous civic organizations including the Rotary Club of Alexandria, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce where he served as Chairman in 1982, the Optimist Club, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, Alexandria United Way, Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, and Metro Stage, to name a few. He was named Business Leader of the Year in 2002 by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. He was also a longtime member of Belle Haven Country Club. Roger was ahead of his time in advocating for the inclusion of women and minorities in the organizations of which he was a member, and many have expressed gratitude for such leadership. Roger was a lifelong lover of classical music, playing the violin as a child and teen and attending New England Music Camp where he was named "Best Camper" (not "Best Musician," he was always quick to point out) in the 1940s. He was an annual subscriber to the National Symphony Orchestra since The Kennedy Center first opened in the early 1970s. He also loved his native New England and spent many a summer vacationing in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. After his semi-retirement at the age of 50, he spent weekends on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where he and Grace have maintained a second home since the 1980s. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hermon Machanic and Beatrice Baker Machanic, and his beloved brother, David. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Grace Manly Machanic of Lynchburg, VA; son, Bruce Machanic and his wife, Susan Redding Machanic of Arlington, VA; daughter, Laura Machanic and her husband, Tom Dabney of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Kathryn R. Machanic and Tyler R. Machanic; step-grandchildren, Magic Dabney and Steven Dabney; and numerous devoted nieces, nephews and treasured friends. Roger was well known and loved by many in Alexandria and deeply admired for his stoic 15-year struggle with Alzheimer''s. His keen intellect, world-class diplomacy, wit, kindness, humility and transparency were pillars of who he was and what he believed. He will be dearly missed by many. The family extends its deepest gratitude to Roger''s loving caregivers and companions, Miriam Duchén, Azucena Rodriguez, and Josie Martin, and to the many family members and friends who gave Roger so much love and attention in his later years. A memorial service celebrating Roger''s life will be held Friday, June 3 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul''s Episcopal Church in Alexandria. A reception will follow in the church''s reception hall. As a final act of his valiant fight against Alzheimer''s, Roger donated his brain to Alzheimer''s research. Memorial gifts may be made to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer''s Disease Research Center: alzresearch.orgAs a final act of his valiant fight against Alzheimer''s, Roger donated his brain to Alzheimer''s research. Memorial gifts may be made to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer''s Disease Research Center: alzresearch.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on May 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for ROGER MACHANIC

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Bill Prutting

May 30, 2016

Grace, Bruce and Laura, some of my favorite memories growing up were of times spent with your family. Your husband/father was always so genuine and greeted me with a warm smile that let you know that he cared and that you were special. It is ironic that I ended up in a business in which he was a pioneer who paved the way for so many like me. As testimony, DRI is a brand still strong today. While our friendship has been going strong over the past 40+ years, my love for your family and memories of Roger will never end. Susan and I send our love and prayers.

C B

May 29, 2016

May your hearts, that are now filled with sadness, gradually be replaced with the fondest memories of your loved one. Isa. 65:17.

May 22, 2016

Roger and his wife Grace were both friends of mine. I was an electrician who did lots of work in old town. I did lots of work for Roger and Grace and they were always friendly and fun to work for. I know Roger will be missed by his Family and friends. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Sonny Burke

May 18, 2016

Message left Saturday May 14. Roger Parks.

Barbara Beach

May 17, 2016

My heart goes out to Roger's family. Although the last few years were tough, I always remember the old Roger. He was one of the nicest, smartest men I knew. For over 30 years, I knew and worked with him around community issues. He had a way of reaching through chaos and coming up with wise solutions. I have and will miss him.

May 14, 2016

Roger was the kindest and most gentle man I ever met. Always had a smile and a kind word for me. My prayers are with Laura, her mother, brother and the entire family. We all should strive to live our life as he did.

May 13, 2016

A great loss. Thoughts and prayers are with Grace and the family.
Mike and Laura Beattie

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