Panther Café

Bel Alton Commons is named for the hometown of Sydney E. Albrittain (1929-2012). Mr. Albrittain, along with his wife Gloria (1930-2018), was a longtime resident of Arlington, Virginia, a St. Agnes parishioner, and a generous philanthropic supporter of the Catholic Church and Arlington Diocese. Mr. Albrittain grew up in the southern Maryland town of Bel Alton, and he worked at the general store operated by his parents. It was there he learned humility, integrity, a strong work ethic, and respect for others. These principles guided his life as a Catholic, as a U.S. Army officer in the Korean War where he received a Silver Star for valor, and as a leader of the Dittmar Company, which build thousands of homes and apartments in Northern Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Albrittain had eight children: Nancy, Clare, Matthew, Chris, Mary, Michael, Syd and Kerry. Their children have dedicated this area in honor of their parents.