Frank Rariden Felker, 67, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, surrounded by the loving presence of his partner, Virginia Nye.

Frank was born August 16, 1958, to his loving parents Alex and Phyllis (Toby) Felker, a USAF family in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was raised in Northern Virginia and was a proud graduate of Robert E. Lee (now John Lewis) High School in Springfield. He went on to attend Virginia Tech and later graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Economics. It was during his time at Mason, particularly as an active member of the forensics team, that he forged deep, lifelong friendships that he cherished throughout his entire journey.

Frank was an entrepreneur at heart, dedicating his life to the growth, running, and promotion of small businesses. A true visionary and leader in 21st-century digital marketing, he was a pioneer in search engine optimization (SEO) and was among the very first to successfully utilize video podcasts as a powerful, targeted marketing tool. His insights and expertise live on through his work as an accomplished author; Frank penned several books addressing the vital factors of small business success and frequently co-authored books alongside business owners, helping them find their voices and elevate their own companies.

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Frank was a deeply talented and accomplished keyboard player. His love for music began early, playing in neighborhood garage bands throughout his youth in Northern Virginia. Over the years, music remained a vital piece of his life; he frequently wrote, performed, produced, and recorded his own original music. Though he maintained it primarily as a beloved hobby and side gig, his creative artistry and musical passion were a central part of who he was and brought immense joy to everyone who had the pleasure of hearing him play.

While his professional and creative achievements were vast, Frank’s true legacy lies in his generosity of spirit. Perhaps most important was how he touched the lives of so many colleagues, friends, and family members — always providing them with the exact tools, guidance, and encouragement they needed to succeed.

In addition to his devoted partner, Virginia, Frank is survived by his loving children, James Felker and Jessica Kate Mitchell, along with her husband, Jacob; his cherished grandchildren, Sparrow and Cooper Mitchell; his siblings, Sally (Felker) Beecroft and Lex Felker; and his nieces and nephew, Michelle (Felker) Parker, Jenny Clark, and Andrew Felker.

Those wishing to honor Frank’s memory through a charitable donation are encouraged to consider Koinonia Community Services (KoinoniaCares.org). Koinonia is an organization Frank and Virginia’s father both supported personally and helps residents of the Franconia/Kingstowne/Rose Hill community facing daily challenges.