Frederick Paul Botz

Frederick Paul Botz, 95, long time Vienna resident, passed away peacefully in his home on June 26, 2022.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Catherine (Sullivan), his daughter Elaine (Russell) Stout, granddaughter Katherine, grandson Samuel (Elizabeth), and brand-new great grandson Samuel, Jr. He is preceded in death by daughter Linda Botz.

Fred was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 7, 1926, the youngest of five children. The family moved to St. Albans, NY where Fred was raised. He attended St. Catherine of Sienna Grammar School where he first noticed his future wife, Catherine, as she was running special errands for the Principal, delivering messages to his classroom. Eventually he ended up marrying this girl from (literally) the other side of the tracks, on June 6, 1953, and they were devoted to each other in marriage for 69 years. They raised two daughters, Elaine and Linda at their home in Vienna.

Elaine married Rusty and their two children Katie and Sam were the delight of their grandparents, spending much time together and participating in all the important, as well as many of the day-to-day events of their lives. Sam married Ellie three years ago and Fred had the opportunity recently to meet his first great grandchild, Sammy, as they briefly passed each other in this life – Sammy entering this world around 4 AM on April 26 and Fred leaving this world around 4 AM on June 26.

Fred attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Brooklyn but quit school at age 17 before graduating, to join the Army at the end of WWII. After the war ended, Fred earned his GED, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Accounting, and then a Masters Degree, from Ben Franklin University in Washington, DC.

Before moving to Virginia, Fred started working for the federal government in New York City. When this job transitioned to Washington DC, Fred left New York and moved to Virginia. Fred worked for various federal agencies, including the US Employee’s Compensation Commission (later known as the Department of Labor), General Services Administration, Defense Supply Agency, and the Federal Aviation Administration. He retired after 41 years of government service.

Fred was long time member of his church, Our Lady of Good Counsel. He was very active in the early years of the parish. He was President of the Men’s Club, and the Usher’s Society. He assisted the Pastor with parish finances and was co-chair to raise funds for the construction of the OLGC Admin Building and Rectory. After his government retirement, he assisted 17 parishes throughout the diocese with automating financial records.

Fred was a lifelong volunteer and spent many years working with the Shepherd Center, where, in his 80’s, he would drive “the old people” to doctor appointments. In 2005, Fred was recognized by the Town of Vienna as a Volunteer of the Year for his service to the community.

Fred was a kind, patient, and gentle man. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He lived his faith everyday – attending daily mass, caring for family, friends, and community, and treating everyone he met with kindness and respect. He was truly a good man.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolftrap Road SE, Vienna, VA on Thursday, July 7 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will precede the mass at 9:30 AM. A reception will follow in the DeSales Hall at OLGC. Interment will be at 1:00 PM at Fairfax Memorial Park, 4401 Burke Station Road. Vehicles should enter the cemetery from the Burke Station entrance, and form a line to the right side of the road. All vehicles will proceed to the gravesite together.