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Anthony Blow Obituary
He was born in Chicago in 1933, the third son of George Waller Blow and Katharine Rowland Cooke, and moved with his parents to Yorktown, Va., in 1942.
Tony attended Millbrook School, Gilman, and the University of Virginia where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He then served with the U.S. Army of Occupation in Germany.
He married Charlotte Marston of Greenwood, Va., on June 7, 1958, and moved to Glen Ellyn, Ill., where he worked as a securities trader. The couple had three children and returned to Yorktown in 1966 to manage the family home, York Hall, also known as the Nelson House. Later, they built a home on Moorehouse Rd., while the Nelson House was sold to the U.S. Park Service.
In the early 70's Tony had the vision to build The Redoubt on route 17 near the York river bridge. Way before its time, the Redoubt was a gas station/convenience store/restaurant (with the additional oddity that you pay less for pumping your own gas). During this time he served as a trustee of the town of York. After the recession of the 70's, the Redoubt closed doors and the family moved to Church Street in Yorktown and then to Claybank in Gloucester, Va. Tony worked for the State of Virginia as an investigator for the Health Regulatory Board, divorced in 1984, moved to Dockside Village in Hayes, Va., and retired in 1998 to pursue a life of study.
He is survived by two brothers, George Blow of Williamsburg, Va., and John Blow of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; three children, Allen Blow of New Orleans, Tolee Blow of Charlottesville, and Marston Blow of Asheville, N.C.; and seven grandchildren.
Tony was a paragon of gentlemanly conduct. He was known for his wit, his inquisitive spirit and enjoyed his tee martoonis.
Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Nov. 28, at Grace Church, 111 Church Street, Yorktown, Va., with a reception to follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be sent to Grace Episcopal Church. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Blow
Karen Kelly Snyder
November 28, 2009
Dear Tony, Tolee and Marsten,
I was very sorry to read about your dad. While I didn't know him well, I do remember he always had a smile on his face. I had wanted to go to the service today, but had company. Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
November 28, 2009
In this life, friendship is invaluable. Tony Blow, Uncle Tony, was a friend to the Hazel family for over 30 years. We honor Tony’s friendship and offer our love and support to Aunt Charlotte, Tolee, Marston and Allen.
Sincerely,
Curtis and Marvis Hazel, Anita (Hazel) Taylor and Lydia (Hazel) Hardy
November 28, 2009
My condolences to you all who knew this
sweet soul.He will truly be missed.I only
wish I could be there in person,though I
will be in spirit.God bless Anthony Blow.
In loving memory,Wendel Blow
JR Russell
November 24, 2009
Dear Charlotte, Allen, Tolee, and Marston,
My condolences for the loss of Tony. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to you at this time since I can be there with you in person.
As with Sneeze, the memories of others brought back similar memories for me and more. The times our families spent together are very much a part of my life and Tony was a big part of those times. Rejoice in the people he touched and lives he influenced.
Abby Lewis
November 24, 2009
What a sad message. I didn't know Tony well at all, but he and all the Blows were so important to my mother, Cynthia Mead Watkins.
When she passed, we had a memorial for her where she lived at Greenspring in Springfield VA. I remember looking up at a tall, nattily dressed man, who strode down the sidewalk swinging his umbrella and looking for all as if he were strolling in the park. As soon as I approached him, I said, "You must be Tony Blow!" and it was, and it meant so much to our family that he came.
Bless him and all the Blows, you've all been such a big part of our family history.
I wish I could have seen him again. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Peter Bourdelle
November 24, 2009
I still have an 8mm film of Steffi & I in the pool at Nelson House, in the 50's. I'm so greatfull to Tony for retrieving "The wolf in sheep's clothing" pen & ink that my dad had discarded while visiting the Blows. I wish him new adventures on the other side, and pray he rejoices with other pals who have crossed over before him. The Bourdelle family is with you in loving spirit. Peter (Allentown PA)
November 24, 2009
I am so sorry and wanted to offer my condolences. I can only imagine how difficult this is for you.
As I read the condolences, I'm struck how the memories are so much like my own and they bring up a thousand memories more.
Tony and you were a wonderful, happy part of my memories. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Tony left his indelible mark on each of you and even though he has passed, he is still very much alive through each of you.
It would be much better if I could convey my condolences in person. But at the very least I want you to know that I am out here and care.
Love You,
Sneeze
Robert Minnich
November 23, 2009
My sincere condolances to all. Although my assocation with Tony was casual I respected him and enjoyed his wit.
dennis anderson
November 23, 2009
Dear Alan Tony and Marston,
Sorry about your dad,he was always a fun and nice person.Dennis Anderson
Jane Anderson
November 22, 2009
Dear Alan, Tolee and Marston,
So sorry to hear about your Father's passing. He was such a nice, funny guy. We had such great times on Moore House Rd., especially the New Years Eve parties. Sometimes I wish we could all go back, but time marches on. Jane Anderson
Lucy Alfriend Thacker and Sarah Alfriend Kmetz
November 21, 2009
Allen, Tolee and Marston,
You three were some of our very first playmates when we moved to Yorktown. These past 45 years have come between us, but the memories of such a great, innocent childhood have left indelible footprints on our hearts and will bond us forever. We will never forget our times with you all-- sneaking through the tunnels at Nelson House during Christmas parties, playing in the graveyard at Grace, or scaling the marls on the beaches and cliffs off Moorehouse Road. We were a rowdy crew, but thankfully reigned in many times by your father and ours. Your mom and dad were awesome in the early days, welcoming our parents to their new venue. We will remember, forever, your dear father who watched us from a distance ~ eternally gentle and genteel all at once. We loved knowing him, joking with him, and finding comfort in his stalwart presence in the background of our world. God bless you all. God bless you and your families.
November 21, 2009
The family of Wesley North and his siblings extend our deepest sympathies to your family. I was making one of your bowls sing tonight and discovered your dad's notice. You are in our prayers. S. North
November 20, 2009
Dear Allen ,Tolee and Marston,
I was so sad to hear the news about your dear father. He was so nice and funny to us when we were children. He gave me my first job at The Redoubt and taught me to "always have fun at work". I will keep you all in my prayers. Take Care, Wendy Thomas
EV Balkan
November 19, 2009
My dear friends CB, Tolee, Marston, and Allen and all of your families, Tony was a very special person to me, he was my boss at the Redoubt and my friend. Those were wonderfully difficult times then and Tony would always make me smile and laugh. Seeing the world thru his eyes was to understand his beautiful and gentle nature. I always admired that quality in Tony and tried to incorporate that into my own life. I will always remember Tony and feel honored to have known him. My heart and love go out to all of you... EV
November 18, 2009
Allen,Tolee and Marston,your dad was a great guy. we have many memoreis of your dad- and you. Good snow skiing days and many hours of water skiing on wormley creek.
Our paths have gone in different directions in the past decades but the memories are clear as today.
God be with you, Max & Eloise Kurbjun,Yorktown
Doug Fairbanks
November 18, 2009
My wife Brenda worked for Tony when he owned the Redoubt Restaurant in the 1970's she and I were married at Tony's house on the York river, what beautiful memories of a wonderful family. We were surprised and saddened to hear of Tony's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Allen, Tolee, Marston and the rest of the family.
The Berndt family
November 18, 2009
The entire Bo Berndt family wishes to extend their sympathy to the Blow/Marston clan. Tony was such a part of our lives for so many years. Marston, Tolee, Allen, Charlotte Jane, Lloyd, other Marstons, and Blows please know that we will keep you all in our hearts and prayers.
Lucinda Berndt
November 18, 2009
Wow, I hardly even know where to begin to say how sorry I am to hear about Uncle Tony's passing. When Aunt Pooh called last night I was so very sad and honestly, I am not much better today. My heart goes out to Allen, Tolee, and Marston. I may not have seen you all recently but you all will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers. I loved D.O.M. and I love all of you. Blessings, "Beautiful" Lucy
November 18, 2009
I worked w/ Tony at the Dept of Health Professions in the 90's. He was always so positive, upbeat and encouraging. He was also very professional, but very compassionate, in his work. One time, after we had been on site together seizing records in 100 degree weather, he took his neck tie off - Tony was always perfectly dressed, even in broiling weather! - and put it in the trunk of my card. I carried it around for months, and we always laughed about where Tony's tie was now!I am sorry for your loss - he truly was a gentleman.
Tonya Higgins
November 17, 2009
Tolee, Marston, and Allen, I shared several Thanksgivings and Christmases with your dad and remember that he was always warm and pleasant and eager to get or give a chuckle. I always felt at ease in his company. Peace.
Brian Collins
November 17, 2009
Gentle modest kind funny loyal eloquent. Dearest Tony, stay in peace now and help us bear the loss of having your physical presence among us here. Keep talking to us.
November 17, 2009
We are so very saddened by the news of Tony's death. He was a true gentleman, and we were lucky to know him. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Alain and Merry Outlaw
Anthony Blow
November 16, 2009
November 16, 2009
Oh my dear brother, I miss you so........
November 16, 2009
allen,tolee,marston, so sorry to here of your dads, passing, he was the best. i have nothing but great memories of him. just want you guys to know that i feel blessed to to have grown up knowing him. love you guys glenard, and terriann
November 15, 2009
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Anthony Blow.
Richard and Suzanne Hixson
November 15, 2009
My family and I are so sorry to read this news. We all loved Tony.
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Fredi and Luanne
November 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Paul Stout
Dan and Susan Hall
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