Celebrating the life of Chester W. De Long, Ph.D.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Marcus Simon

HR 2118 commemorates Chester W. De Long, Ph.D., for military service, public service, educational advocacy, and extensive library and community leadership in Falls Church.

Bill text as passed House (HR2118ER)

Overview

Bill: HR 2118

Session/Jurisdiction: 2026 Special Session I, Virginia

Type: House Resolution (non-binding)

Title: Celebrating the life of Chester W. De Long, Ph.D.

Patron/Sponsor: Primary patron unspecified; co-sponsor Marcus Simon

Introduction date: June 17, 2026

HR 2118 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing and honoring the life, service, and community contributions of Chester W. De Long, Ph.D. The measure serves as an expression of the Virginia House of Delegates’ respect and condolences to his family and the Falls Church community.

Purpose and Intent

To publicly commemorate the life and achievements of Chester W. De Long, detailing his military service, professional career, community involvement, and charitable contributions.

To acknowledge his impact on education, libraries, local government, and faith communities in Falls Church, Virginia.

To offer formal condolences and present a copy of the resolution to the De Long family.

Key Provisions

Official Honoring Language: The resolution documents De Long’s biography and highlights his roles as:

U.S. Navy veteran (World War II)
Civil servant with the Central Intelligence Agency (early career)
VA Office of Academic Affairs contributor, aiding the development of medical schools affiliated with VA hospitals
Proponent of Falls Church High School’s International Baccalaureate program
Longtime supporter of his wife, Carol De Long, in her service on Falls Church City Council and as mayor
Active participant in the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, including:
Over 25 years on the library’s board of trustees
Advocacy for the library’s renovation and expansion
Co-founder of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library Foundation
Hundreds of volunteer hours annually
Recognition as grand marshal of Falls Church Memorial Day Parade (2022)
Faith and community involvement through Falls Church Presbyterian Church (elder, deacon, organ selection committee)

Dedication to Memory: The resolution expresses sorrow at his passing and notes the lasting impact of his service.

Who/What is Affected

The primary beneficiary is Chester W. De Long, Ph.D., and his immediate family.

Falls Church community institutions and organizations referenced in the bill:

Mary Riley Styles Public Library and its Foundation
Falls Church City Government (including historical ties to local governance and education programs)
Falls Church Presbyterian Church
Local high school and public education initiatives (notably the IB program)

The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Virginia House of Delegates, a formal expression of respect rather than policy or funding action.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction/Presentation: The resolution was introduced and laid on the Speaker’s table on June 17, 2026, during Special Session I.

Status: A ceremonial measure; typically requires passage by the House of Delegates and is then presented to the family as a formal expression of respect and condolence.

Summary

HR 2118 is a commemorative House resolution honoring Chester W. De Long, Ph.D., for a lifetime of military service, public administration, educational advocacy, library leadership, and community involvement in Falls Church, Virginia. The bill documents his accomplishments, recognizes his family, and directs the Clerk to provide a copy to his relatives. It reflects the legislature’s customary practice of acknowledging notable local figures through ceremonial resolutions.