Brad Stuart Draeger's Obituary
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.
Brad earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Miami and a doctor of education from Virginia Tech. A talented musician, Brad played bassoon professionally with the Miami Philharmonic and Fairfax Symphony. He was also a dedicated public servant who began his career in education as a high school band director. He later served as an assistant principal and principal of Oakton High School, and assistant superintendent for Human Resources with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). He retired from FCPS as Deputy Superintendent after 27 years of service. Following his FCPS retirement, Brad continued his service to public education as Superintendent of the Livingston Public Schools in New Jersey, and as a senior associate with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), consulting on superintendent searches.
While Brad’s professional accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember his trademark humor that accompanied his integrity and tenacity, and his unwavering love for his family. Brad embraced life with energy and joy. He remained very active later in life bicycling and was an avid cruiser, traveling around the world with his family, and friends. He cherished nothing more than “family fun”, and spent hours planning trips of a lifetime for his family to enjoy.
Brad is survived by his high school sweetheart, best friend, and beloved wife of fifty years, Cindy; his two sons, Stephen (Kelly), and Michael (Stephanie); and his cherished grandsons, Chase and Ryan. He is also survived by his sister, Terry Draeger, sister in law Terry Hicks (Paul), and nieces and nephews.
The family welcomes all guests to join for a reception on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:30 pm at Magnolias at the Mill located at 198 North 21st Street, Purcellville, VA 20132.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice or the American Cancer Society in Brad’s memory.
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