In the pocket park nestled between Tancreti Lane, Cameron Station Boulevard and Ferdinand Day Drive, sit two wooden benches. Fastened to the bench closer to Ferdinand Day is a 6-inch-by-2-inch brass plaque. It reads:
In Loving Memory Of
Thomas “Jeff” Powers
July 22, 1975 - Nov 14, 2023
Considering Jeff’s impact on the Cameron Station community and on those who knew him, one might be tempted to say that it’s too small a memorial. But then again, if you knew Jeff, you know that a subtle, unassuming tribute is about all he would have tolerated.
Those of us who did know Jeff are thinking of him these days. A longtime Cameron Station resident, he died a year ago this November at age 48. We remember him as a dedicated husband, father, son, friend, and colleague.
And we’re proud his name is in a public spot in Cameron Station, because few were more committed to seeing this community thrive than the affable, understated Jeff Powers.
Jeff’s commitment to Cameron Station was most visible through his longtime participation in the Cameron Station Civic Association (CSCA). He was a member of the organization – which promotes “the interests of Cameron Station to Alexandria residents, civic leaders and those in city government” – for a large portion of the 21 years he lived here. He served as an officer on the CSCA executive board for seven years. And he rarely, if ever, missed a meeting.
“He was the best secretary we ever had,” said Art Impastato, a two-time president of the CSCA. “He was a workhorse, and in a volunteer organization it’s hard to find anyone who wants to get involved, much less someone who shows up at every meeting and goes out of their way to be helpful.”
Jeff also distinguished himself with his demeanor.
“Jeff was a calm presence,” said Mindy Lyle, a neighbor who often saw Jeff in action at CSCA meetings. “He was going to listen and he was going to ask questions, and then he would make decisions based on information – not on the politics of the situation.”
Outside of his CSCA duties, to friends and neighbors who would run into him walking Penelope or Luna, or at neighborhood gatherings, or at Samuel Tucker Elementary, Jeff was a reliable source of community knowledge.
“When I would see postings in the Cameron Station Facebook groups about new developments, I’d always call or message Jeff to talk to him about it,” said Leo San Roman, a neighbor and friend since 2012. “He always knew the story behind the story.”
Of course, there was much more to admire about Jeff beyond his dedication to Cameron Station. His love for his wife Melissa and daughters Ava and Olivia was always on display. Through his job with Fairfax County Public Schools, he helped special education students who utilize augmentative communication technology. He earned a black belt in karate in 2022. He appreciated good food and drink, lively conversation, and rock and roll.
But the plaque on the bench is important. The next time you’re near the pocket park, I encourage you to visit the bench. Cameron Station is a better place to live because of the years Jeff spent here.
He made a real difference – even if he would be the last to say so.
Jon DeNunzio has been a Cameron Station resident since 2003 and includes among his best memories the seasons he and Jeff (and Bob, Leo, and Shawn) coached neighborhood girls on the Dolphin Fire Lions girls soccer team.
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