Brad Stuart Draeger

Birth date: Jul 11, 1953 Death date: Aug 1, 2025

Brad Draeger, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 1, 2025, in Leesburg, Virginia. He was born on July 11, 1953, in Alexandria, Virginia, and was raised in Parsippany, New Jersey. Bra Read Obituary

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Lexa Newman

5w ago

I just wanted to say how very much I appreciated Mr. Draeger's dedication to our band at South Lakes HS. He took us on band exchange trips. He dealt with a full bus load of high schoolers going either to Atlanta, GA or to a suburb of NYC. This man was one in a million! We loved him as much as he loved getting irritated with us! I distinctly remember emailing him when a super cool member of our band passed away a few years ago. Not only did he remember this guy from over 30 years ago, but he told me he would try to come to the funeral. He had a work thing to go to, but he was going to try. Ultimately, work prevailed that day, but Mr. Draeger provided such a refuge for all of us "band geeks" while we were under his care, we will NEVER ever forget him! Sending love to his family!

Lexa Newman (SLHS class of 1983, 2nd/1st chair trumpet Wind Ensemble)

Chuck Granata

21w ago

Dear Cindy and Family, I have many warm memories of working with Brad in Livingston, and am both shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. We began on the LBOE at the same time, and navigated some difficult issues during his tenure. He left a deep impression on the district - and on me, as a new Board member - and I thoroughly enjoyed our all-too-infrequent musical conversations. I think of him often. Much love to you...Chuck Granata

Edgar Hatrick

21w ago

I am so sorry to hear of Brad‘s death. He made significant impacts on many aspects of life. I got to know him as a colleague superintendent and through his outstanding reputation in Fairfax County. May his memory be a blessing to all of us who knew him and may God‘s comfort be with his family.Edgar Hatrick

Joe Houston

21w ago

I was privileged to start working in Brad's HR department at FCPS in 1998. We were working on a major project to update HR/Payroll systems for Y2K and I was quickly pulled into that endeavor. I didn't work directly with Brad very often but when I did his steady hand, attention to detail, sense of humor and considerate nature stood out and provided comfort in stressful times. He always made me feel like I could royally screw something up and he would still have my back. He was a great leader and one of the kindest people I've ever known.

Craig & Kelli Coile

22w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Brad.

A vibrant green tree flourishes in a sunny area, showcasing thick leaves and a sturdy trunk.

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Craig & Kelli Coile

22w ago

Sent a Peaceful White Lilies Basket to the Draeger family.

A beautiful arrangement features white lilies and carnations, perfect for celebrations or memorials.

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Anonymous

22w ago

Sent a Peaceful White Lilies Basket to the Draeger family.

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Bill Reeder

22w ago

I first knew Brad as Cindy's husband, when she and I were both department chairs at Rocky Run Middle School in the early 1980's. Later, I knew him as my wife Debra's HR boss, and during that time he and I were sometimes FCPS committee co-participants. It really wasn't until well into our mutual retirements that Brad and Cindy came fully into our lives as frequent travel, Happy Hour, and restaurant buddies. Thanks to the wonderful planning of Alan Leis, we took our first cruise together from South America through the Panama Canal 9 years ago. Since that time, we have taken 16 additional cruises with our dear friends, Brad and Cindy. We laughed and we laughed and had a few, mostly Lemon Drops along the way. Brad loved to drive, even at port cities, and I was mostly his navigator, sometimes closing my eyes, as he zipped around between obstacles around the world. I will miss the well-poured drinks he recreated when we got home, his always sarcastic humor, his trip spreadsheets, and so much more. He was such a great friend.

James Novotny

22w ago

My sincerest condolences to the entire Draeger family. I was fortunate to work with Brad in Livingston for many years. His dedication to getting everyone in the district to perform to the best of their ability was admirable and carried with me in all my educational experiences after he left LPS. Like everyone who worked with Dr. D., I could easily share many "Bradisms" that showed his indepth understanding of complex issues, his ability to make work more interesting, and at appropriate times, make people laugh at themselves and/or the absurdities they faced at that moment. It was an honor to be part of his educational team. Rest in peace Dr. D.

Janie Ray Smith

22w ago

Cindy and family, I am so sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. Both you and Brad were special people and great educators I was proud to work with during my career in Fairfax County Schools. I’m sure Brad’s death has left a huge hole in all your family’s lives.. So glad to read you and the family had such rich lives with lots of travel after retirement.
Janie Ray Smith

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