Gregory Dean McFall, a devoted husband, loving father, skilled artist, passionate educator, and outdoor enthusiast, passed away at the age of 57, on October 6th, 2023. Greg was surrounded by his family at his home in Leesburg, VA. He is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn McFall, their cherished children, Brendan (Allison) McFall, Kathryn McFall, and Trevor McFall, grandson Robert McFall, mother Jacqueline McFall, and siblings, Brad McFall, Laurel (Jose) McLoughlin, and Kevin (Sara) McFall.

Greg was born on November 8th, 1965, in Flemington, NJ. He pursued various passions in his youth, caring for the farm animals at his home, teaching himself to program, playing trumpet for his local jazz band club, and competing in middle school basketball and high school soccer. His academic vigor culminated in his graduation from Hunterdon Central Regional High School as class Valedictorian.

Greg went on to attend Virginia Tech, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn. He was a triple major, earning bachelor degrees in physics, mathematics, and philosophy. Following his acceptance into the graduate program at the University of Texas, Greg and Carolyn moved to Austin where they would wed in 1990 and spend a total of nine years in the Lonestar State. Greg would go on to earn his PhD in Physics and welcome into the world his two eldest children, Brendan and Katie.

Greg and family moved to Poolesville, MD, in the winter of 1999, where he would commute to Washington, D.C. to work for Blackboard. Greg had a long and successful career in education. Across his time at Blackboard and Pearson, he was named inventor on 8 patents, and served as the co-chair of a committee that developed the most widely used standard for integrating digital learning tools.

Shortly after his move to Poolesville, his third child, Trevor, was born. Greg coached all three of his children in various recreational sports. One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his kids, playing basketball, soccer and tennis with them at local parks. He also joined the Poolesville Presbyterian Church, where he served a year as their Christian Education Elder, creating that year’s Pre-K through High School Sunday School Curriculum, and teaching the High School Christian Education class himself.

In 2018, Greg relocated to a 31-acre farm in Radford, VA, 25 minutes from his alma mater. He revitalized the land in his free time, building and maintaining trails, caring for the animals, and cultivating permaculture gardens.

After his cancer diagnosis in 2022, Greg and Carolyn began a beautiful nightly ritual of dancing together before retiring to sleep, a symbol of their enduring love and companionship. The two also moved to Leesburg, VA to live with Brendan, Allison, and Robbie. Greg spent his final days with family and friends.

Gregory Dean McFall's life was a tapestry of love, family, nature, creativity, and innovation. He touched the lives of countless individuals with his kindness, dedication, and zest for life. His memory will forever be cherished by his family and the communities he served.

A celebration of Greg's life will be held at Noon on October 21st, 2023 at Memorial United Methodist Church in Poolesville, MD. 

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