Jay Charles Lodsun

Jay Lodsun, a long-time resident of Vienna, VA, died in his sleep in the early hours of Monday, June 1, 2026. A beloved husband, father, brother and friend, he leaves behind a host of people who mourn him.

Jay was born in West Pittson, PA on January 28, 1943, son of Bernice Sinkevich Lodsun and Julius T. Lodsun. He soon moved to Arlington, and later to Falls Church, VA, as his father began his Army career in the US Army Band. He graduated from Falls Church High School, and went on to get his degree in Accounting from UVA.

Jay received his draft notice just as the conflict in Viet Nam was accelerating, and was deployed there in the US Army as a door gunner in the First Cavalry in January 1966. While there, he was wounded when his helicopter was shot down, and received a Purple Heart. He also earned two Bronze Stars for valor in combat.

Upon returning home, Jay began his career by working for the US Base Exchange service in the Fort Meyer installation, moving on to a position as a Production Manager at a gourmet meat-processing company, and finally to C&P Telephone, now Verizon, as a contracts writer and manager, where he retired in 2000. He loved the art of negotiation, and when he got bored with retirement, went back to work for a few years with a Verizon contractor, until his final retirement in 2008.

Jay loved playing tennis, and later, golf; he enjoyed wood-working and made several small pieces of furniture for his wife and friends. He loved the beach and particularly enjoyed Ocean City, MD and later, Anna Maria Island, FL, the one he called “his happy place.” But most of all, he loved riding his Harley Davidson Fat Boy with his “guys” on a Saturday morning.

In his later years Jay was struck with not only vascular dementia, but also late-onset Alzheimer’s, diseases which took away his ability to remember, to reason, and to learn, but also robbed him of his physical capabilities. Although he was able to be cared for at home for several years, he finally was admitted to a memory care home, where he spent his last months.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay Alexander; much-loved son, Nicholas (Nick) Lodsun and his wife, Amy Daly; a cherished daughter from his first marriage, Jennifer Bledsoe; his beloved only sister and God-daughter, Lisa Vanden Heuvel; his brother, Jeff Lodsun; several nieces and nephews, including his other God-daughter, Melissa Lodsun; grandchildren through his daughter; and many beloved cousins and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers Brian and Dean, and his nephew Zackary Vanden Heuvel.

Per Jay’s request, he will be cremated and his ashes interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be announced, when the family will also hold a Celebration of Life for those who wish to attend. Jay did not have a favorite charity; the family encourages donations to Goodwin House Hospice, who brought expert and compassionate help to Jay and his family during the last days of his life. You may make a donation in Jay’s name by sending it to Goodwin Living Foundation in support of Goodwin Hospice, 4800 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311. Alternatively, please feel free to make a donation to a charity or foundation of your choice.