City of Falls Church citizen activist Leonard S. Michalowski, 84, was found dead in the front yard of his residence at 510 block of N. West Street by City Police this morning. Police were called to the scene and determined the death was apparently by natural causes, according to the City’s public information office.

Michalowski was for years a strong advocate for seniors and veterans in Falls Church. A veteran of World War II, he was responsible for the establishment of the Veterans Commons beside the W&OD Trail at N. Little Falls St., and led many commemorative observances there. He also doubled as the Santa Claus at many annual Falls Church News-Press annual parties until recent years. He is survived by his wife Josephine.