Obituary of Curtiss Richard Ally

Curtiss Richard "Rick" Ally Rick Ally, 53, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, Mary, and their children Jackson (9) and Melissa (8). Rick credited his faith, family, and friends for sustaining him as he heroically battled cancer for over 8 years, including parents Ann and Mel Innamorato; brothers Harry and Tom Ally, sisters Desia Joseph, Criss Kerkendall, and Arlene Neal, and their spouses; 3 nieces, 4 nephews, 2 grand-nieces; mother-in-law Nancy Sibley and sister-in-law Diane Sibley; and numerous cherished friends. Rick was born New Year's Day 1963 in Bridgewater, New Jersey -the sixth child of the late Harry Ally and his wife, Ann. A 1986 graduate of Texas Christian University (TCU), he majored in political science and philosophy, played on the TCU baseball and lacrosse teams, and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He will long be remembered for his love and gift of baseball—playing on the industrial league Metropolitan Blue Jay baseball team and coaching recreational adult and Little League teams. Rick was privileged to have served as a longtime trusted aide to the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and was well-known for his service to the Democratic Party. He was Lead Advance for candidates and their spouses during five U.S. Presidential campaigns and campaign manager for a U.S. House of Representatives bid. Rick later served as a legislative assistant for cancer policy and legislation on the Senate staffs of U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey. He was an unrelenting advocate for rare cancer research and funding, collaborating on legislation and meeting with constituent groups, so that their voices might be heard. Family will receive guests Saturday, February 27 from 1:00 p.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 3460 Centreville Road in Chantilly, Virginia 20151. A Celebration of Life reception will be held from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. at Epiphany Episcopal Church following the mass, 3301 Hidden Meadow Drive,Oak Hill, VA 20171 (Located at Fairfax County Parkway and Franklin Farms Road Worship Center Entrance on the east side of the building) In lieu of flowers friends and family have established an education fund for Jackson and Melissa. Checks written to "Virginia 529 inVEST" may be mailed to Ally Education Fund, PO Box 711171, Oak Hill, VA 20171.