Obituary of R. Wendell Presgrave

R. Wendell Presgrave, a beloved resident and influential figure in Chantilly, VA, left an irreplaceable void with his passing on May 23, 2023, at the age of 83. Wendell's life was a testament to generosity, kindness, humor, and unwavering determination; embodying his lifelong mantra and senior quote, "Every man is the maker of his own fortune." His legacy continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Born on April 7, 1940, Wendell was the eldest of three children to Kathleen Adrian Presgrave and Roger Winfield Presgrave. He is survived by his two younger brothers, Jon Adrian Presgrave of Manteo, NC, and Theodore (Teddy) Presgrave of Chantilly, VA, as well as his wife of 26 years, Paige Presgrave, his son Mark Wendell Presgrave, and daughter Jeanne Ann Ludwig. Additionally, he had three stepchildren whom he loved as his own: Katie Ashford, David Bellovich, and Julie Mastromatteo.

Family held a special place in Wendell's heart. He adored his 13 grandchildren—Porter, Cooper, Canon, Ash, Cassidy, Marlee, Ben, Lucas, Abby, Claire, Tyler, Conor, and Addie—and cherished the moments they spent together at the Outer Banks, NC, sporting events, and family gatherings. As a devoted husband, supportive father, and doting grandfather, he showered his family with love and remained their steadfast pillar during challenging times. His enduring influence continues to inspire them, leaving an everlasting imprint on their lives.

Wendell was a lifelong Northern Virginia native and a proud graduate of Herndon High School. In his earlier years, he served as a volunteer firefighter and as a member of the Army National Guard. Beyond being a cherished member of the community, Wendell was a visionary entrepreneur. In 1981, he founded My Plumber, later known as My Plumber Plus, a renowned plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company synonymous with excellence and reliability. Through his business acumen and unwavering commitment to integrity, he transformed a local service provider into a household name, setting new standards in the industry. Wendell's pioneering "Same Day Service Guaranteed" promise became a trendsetter.

Wendell's passion for his company extended to his encouragement of others to enter the trades, particularly the plumbing trade. He inspired countless young individuals and apprentices, leaving an indelible impact across Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. Rarely did anyone meet Wendell without developing deep respect and affection for him. Known for his generosity, love, and sense of humor, he always had a joke or humorous childhood story ready to share.

Wendell possessed a wide range of interests outside his professional life. In his early years, he showcased his dance moves on the local Milt Grant show on Channel 5, earning him the title of the most sought-after dance partner. With a passion for travel, Wendell found solace in wine country, both in Italy and California. He reveled in the joys of fine wine and delicious cuisine. He cherished numerous fishing trips to Great Slave Lake in Canada, sharing those memorable moments with his son, brothers, and friends. He also enjoyed dining at various establishments in Gainesville and Haymarket, VA, where he became a familiar and beloved presence among patrons, servers, and owners alike. One of his favorite events was hosting the annual crab feast for My Plumber Plus employees and their families. He possessed an active social life, relishing in the company of others. His ability to touch and influence countless lives through his genuine love for people was renowned.

While we mourn the loss of R. Wendell Presgrave, we also celebrate his remarkable life. He undeniably made his own fortune, not only through his professional achievements but also through the love, respect, and admiration he earned from his family, friends, and community. Wendell's life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, self-determination, and selfless generosity. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in his name to one of the following charities: Capital Caring Hospice or Firefighters Fund of Fairfax County

Memorial Service:

Friday, June 16th 11:00am

Park Valley Church

4500 Waverly Farm Dr.

Haymarket, VA 20169

The Presgrave family will be hosting a celebration of Wendell’s life after the Memorial Service at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA.