May 2013

Historic Vienna Remembers Local Historian Mayo S. Stuntz
by Laine Hyde, Historic Vienna Inc. Secretary

Among the small number of video histories collected by Historic Vienna, Inc. is a tape of a one-hour interview with Mayo Stuntz.  Despite a career in government and private enterprises, Mayo – he was one of those “one name suffices to identify him” people – was usually known primarily as  Historian.    Together with his wife Connie, he produced numerous books on Vienna and other local subjects; primary among these was “This Was Vienna, Virginia: Facts and Photos,” considered an invaluable historical resource.

Mayo was born in the heart – the very heart – of the Town, in a home at the intersection of Old Courthouse Road and Maple Avenue.  This would explain not only why in recent years a “Happy Birthday, Mayo” sign would appear in October in front of JiffyLube but also how he came to know from personal, life-long experience, the history of his home town.  He was there.  He went to Vienna Elementary, walking home for lunch.   The family moved all the way to the edge of Vienna and he spent most of his life living in that home, eventually raising a new generation there.  A list of “served on” would include the Fairfax History Commission and the little group which advised the Town on the restoration of the Freeman House and eventually became Historic Vienna, Inc.  He lived to see the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.  Throughout his life and most particularly in retirement, he was always willing – enthusiastically willing – to share his memories, his experience and his love of history with groups or individuals.

Mayo Stuntz died on May 9 at the age of 97.  His contributions live on.

Official Obituary: Mayo S. Stuntz, Sr. (Age 97)
Passed away on May 9, 2013.  Born in Vienna, VA in 1915, attended Cornell University, served in the U.S.Army in the Pacific (Lt. Col, Ret.), had a 25 year career in the Central Intelligence Agency, and was a well-known local historian and co-author.  Beloved husband of 66 years of Constance Pendleton Stuntz.  Father of Anne (Brad Swanson), Reid (Linda), and Mayo Jr. (Elizabeth).

Grandfather of Allison Schulte (Ben), James (Mollie O’Rourke), Katie, Joe (Michelle), Grace, Jay Swanson, Charles Swanson and Steve Swanson.  Great Grandfather of Audrey Rose Schulte.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 15 from 2-4PM and from 6-8PM at the Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 1PM at the Vienna Presbyterian Church.  Interment will be at 4PM at the Flint Hill Cemetery, Oakton, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Vienna Presbyterian Church or Historic Vienna, Inc. in Vienna, VA.