Tim Ahern, chairman of the board of Agenda:Alexandria and a past president of the North Ridge Citizens Association, died suddenly Aug. 6 while participating in a charity bike ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. He was 68 years old.

Ahern was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of several local charities, including Rebuilding Together Alexandria.

“Tim has been an incredible Rebuilding Together fan,” said RTA’s president and CEO Katharine Dixon. “He supported his wife [Eileen] before and after she led the group and volunteered with his church team for years on National Rebuilding Day. The many causes for which Tim volunteered have suffered a great loss. I will him miss tremendously.”

Born Timothy Michael Ahern, he was raised in Ridgewood, N.J. and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970. He continued his education at the University of Rhode Island (M.M.A.) and the Naval War College (M.A.). Following combat service in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm, Ahern retired as a Captain with 30 years of service.

Ahern first moved to Alexandria in 1985. He was regional vice president of Imagine One Technology and Management for 13 years and a longtime volunteer official and board member for Navy Federal Credit Union.

Ahern is survived by his wife of 40 years, Eileen O’Connell Ahern; daughter, Catherine Ahern Barrett (Jon); son, Timothy Patrick Ahern; sisters, Patricia Arvidson (Bob), Julie Nelson (Dennis); brothers, Jim Ahern (Sandy), Larry Ahern (Debbie); sister in-law, Kathleen O’Connell; brother-in-law, Peter O'Connell (Edna) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Julia Ahern and his brother, Dr. Geary Ahern (Mary).

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Aug. 12 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Bike MS (www.nationalmssociety.org) or Rebuilding Together Alexandria (www.rebuildingtogetheralex.org).