The following is text of the officially family-sanctioned obituary for Falls Church’s late Gary LaPorta, who died last weekend and was the subject of much commentary in today’s News-Press:

Gary Carlo LaPorta, age 71 of Falls Church, died suddenly at his home on February 10, 2019.

Gary was born in Beacon and raised in Cold Spring, New York. He was the son of Carlo LaPorta and Hazel Edna Tompkins. In additional to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, June. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Warnock, his brother David LaPorta, his sister Carla Darby, nephews Bryan Reilly and Erik LaPorta and niece, Amy LaPorta.

Gary was a Vietnam veteran and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971. Following his service, Gary moved to the Northern Virginia area and worked for AT&T. Gary and his wife June owned Miniatures from the Attic, a small business located in Falls Church. After Gary closed the business, he decided to finish his college education and received a Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University. Until his death, Gary worked for the Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Falls Church.

A long-time resident of Falls Church, Gary was active in the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and other local causes. Gary was a kind-hearted, gentle soul who was committed to making his community better and he will be missed by his friends and family. Interment is planned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.