Va. governor's father dies

John F. ''Jack'' McDonnell, father to Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) died Tuesday morning at a Fairfax County nursing home after a lengthy illness, the governor's office announced. He was 94.

A Massachusetts native and son of Irish immigrants, Jack McDonnell was a World War II veteran who went on to serve 23 years on active duty with the Air Force. He then worked with the U.S. Naval Investigative Service.

McDonnell had four children -- the governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, is the eldest. After three overseas tours of duty, the family settled in the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County, where the governor grew up. He was a member of the Governor's Board of Visitors of Mt. Vernon.

Jack McDonnell will be buried at Arlington Cemetary.

Gov. McDonnell will be altering his public schedule in coming days to spend time with his family. He has canceled several planned television interviews Wednesday to discuss the election results.

-- Roz Helderman