Michael A. Jakub

Michael A. Jakub, 81, of Manassas, VA, passed away on April 16, 2025. Michael (Mike) was born to Michael and Mary Ellen on November 20, 1943, in Pittsburgh, PA. As a youth, he worked in the steel mills in Homestead and at Isaly’s Deli in Squirrel Hill. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1961. He attended Duquesne University, earning an Education degree in 1966, while also being active in the U.S. Army ROTC and Pershing Rifles. He continued his education at George Washington University in Washington, DC, ultimately obtaining a Masters degree in Public Policy. After serving active duty during the Vietnam War, where he received the National Defense Service Medal, and U.S. Army Reserves, Mike pursued a distinguished career in civil service at the Defense Intelligence Agency and the U.S. State Department. While working at the State Department, he established the Technical Support Working Group to address critical voids in our national technical capability to combat terrorism. Under Mike’s oversight, over 80 organizations and five countries collaborated to prioritize operational requirements, create resource efficiencies, and establish projects to develop and field capabilities to combat terrorism. Mike was dedicated to protecting his country and earned the respect of his colleagues throughout his career. His contribution to U.S. national security continues to be recognized today. He retired as the Director for Technical Programs at the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism in 2011. Mike was a dedicated and loving father who supported, tutored, or coached all his children in their youth. During his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, reading nonfiction books on political history, and visiting Civil War battlefields with his wife. Mike was also a frequent fan of his grandkids’ activities and spent many hours on soccer fields, softball diamonds, and baseball fields. He was an avid MLB fan and loved cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals. Mike will be remembered for his quick intelligence and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed. Mike is survived by his wife, Paula; his five children, Mary Elizabeth (Mark), Michael (Lydia), Neil Miller (Abigail), Steven (Rosemary), and Beth Csider (Chris); his five grandchildren, Neil Michael, Anna, Eva, Kiersten, and Michael; and three siblings, Kathy, Tom, and Bill. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 12975 Purcell Road, Manassas, VA. Visitation will be on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 5pm to 8 pm at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd, Woodbridge VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to American Battlefield Trust or Lewy Body Dementia Association. American Battlefield Trust Donation Page: https://www.battlefields.org/help-save-battlefields?ms=googlepaid&ms=googlepaid Lewy Body Dementia Association Donation Page: https://www.lbda.org/donate/

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Michael A. Jakub

April 16, 2025