The Greater Washington business and philanthropic community is mourning the loss of Roger Mody, a pioneering entrepreneur, generous benefactor, and beloved partner at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, who passed away at the age of 61.

His death, announced by Monumental’s managing partner Ted Leonsis on Wednesday, has left a profound void among colleagues, friends, and family. A cause of death has not yet been released.

Born in Washington, D.C. to Indian immigrant parents, Mody embodied the American dream through hard work, innovation, and a deep commitment to giving back.

He launched his career as a trailblazer in the technology industry when, in 1987, he co-founded Signal Corp. with his first wife, Lori. Based in Fairfax, Virginia, Signal quickly became a leading contractor designing and maintaining secure computer networks for federal agencies — a critical service in the digital age.

Mody’s leadership and vision propelled the company to immense success. In 2002, Signal was acquired by The Veridian Corp. for $227 million in cash and notes, a deal that earned Mody approximately $125 million. But rather than retiring from business, Mody used his resources and influence to make a broader impact on society.

Soon after the sale, he founded The Mody Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting nonprofits that serve underprivileged children. This commitment to philanthropy became a hallmark of his life, and Mody was widely recognized not only for his financial contributions but also for his hands-on involvement and advocacy.

In 2011, Mody expanded his influence into the world of sports and entertainment, becoming a partner at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Washington Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics. His presence at countless games — often courtside next to Leonsis — made him a familiar and beloved figure among fans and athletes alike.

“Rest in peace to a true giant of our community, Roger Mody,” Leonsis shared in a heartfelt tribute. “Roger was an integral member of the Monumental family and my courtside seatmate at hundreds of Washington Wizards games. A successful businessman, a pillar of the philanthropic community, and a mentor to many. He loved his family, his friends, all D.C. teams, his cigars, cars, and watches. Roger had flair only eclipsed by his immense grace and kindness. Please keep Roger and his family in your prayers. He will be greatly missed.”

In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Mody served as an associate publisher for Inc. magazine, continuing his lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and leadership.

Mody is survived by his wife, Kyle, and their four children. Together, they oversaw the family’s charitable foundation and undertook notable personal projects, including the construction of “The Cliffs”, a 32,785-square-foot estate in McLean, Virginia. Although they never moved into the property, they sold it in October 2024 for $25.5 million, one of the most significant home sales in Greater Washington’s history.

Roger Mody’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary life defined by innovation, generosity, leadership, and love. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he improved, the businesses he built, and the community he strengthened. To those who knew him, Roger was more than a successful entrepreneur — he was a mentor, a friend, and a man whose grace, passion, and purpose will never be forgotten.