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Thomas Blue Obituary
October 10, 1935 - July 13, 2025
Thomas Blue of Albemarle County, VA died on July 13, 2025. A civil engineer by training, a land surveyor by profession, and a farmer at heart, Tom lived almost his entire life in his beloved Albemarle County. He often joked that he was only willing to leave the county if he knew he could return before sunset.
He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1957, and married his high school sweetheart, Josephine Moore Markwood. They were married for nearly 65 years until she passed away in 2022. After graduating from UVA, Tom took a job with Stone and Webester and quickly learned that he did not enjoy working for others. After a year, he opened a small land surveying business that he owned and operated until retirement.
He was active in civic and political affairs, serving on the Albemarle County School Board as well as the Planning Commission, where he served as chair. He volunteered frequently for the Democratic Party, often manning the polls at the Free Bridge Precinct on election day.
He was an avid whitewater canoeist, although his ambition occasionally exceeded his ability, resulting in quite a few laughs among his family and paddling friends. He was a man of great integrity and compassion, always willing to lend a hand to those in need.
During the last two years of his life, he received extraordinarily compassionate care from Marcia Brotherton.
In addition to Josephine, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Blue, in 1977.
He is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Teresa Rowe Blue and Bob and Liz Appel Blue; four grandchildren, Isabel, John, Tom and Eliza Blue; and his sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Robert Kidd.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Arc of the Piedmont, 1149 Rose Hill Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Blue
Rob Kidd
August 28, 2025
I was saddened to hear this news. I have fond memories of Uncle Tom, most vividly, his teaching by example of how to surf the waves in an ocean kayak - outer banks, late 1980s or early 90s. Also, how to properly dive into a body of water from a tire tied to a rope tied to a tree, 1980s. He was always welcoming for a visit when I traveled through Charlottesville. Rest in peace, Uncle Tom.
Sally Staudt
August 11, 2025
I was thinking and wondering about Tom and Jo this afternoon and googled and found this. My husband Tom Staudt, who passed away 11 years ago, was also a land surveyor and we became friends with your parents. We even paddled the Fluvanna River with them a few times. We moved back to our home state of Texas in 1997. Both of us thought a great deal of them, but I lost touch after my Tom died in 2014. I did not know of your mother had passed. My deepest condolences for your loss of her and the recent loss of your father. They were both wonderful people.
Susan Donovan
July 24, 2025
Tom Blue was a true orginal, and someone who had a lasting impact on my life. He was generous, opinionated and fun. He twisted my arm into working for the democrats forty years ago and that influence has lasted. He sold me a property which made us neighbors and became my family home. He and Jo were so good together, connecting people and building community in the most authentic way. I will remember them always, and especially the twinkle in Tom's eyes.
David Collins
July 20, 2025
About 1985, Tom signed for me as one of the requirements, to be allowed to sit for the surveyor´s exam. It was an honor that I have always appreciated and still do to this day.
Tom was a good surveyor and held in the utmost respect by his fellow surveyors. It was and still is a joy to follow in his footsteps.
J.Coles
July 20, 2025
I rode the bus with Mr. Blue's kids. I remember Mr. Blue's years long efforts to get our community
members registered to vote
He was the right man for the job. My condolences to the Blue family.
Jennifer Rader Giacalone
July 20, 2025
Thinking of you all and I am sorry for your loss. Tom and Jo were childhood friends of my mother Carolyn. I remember many beach weeks at Nags Head with Tom and Jo. Tom loved to be in the water with his kayak. He was such a warm, genuine, kind person.
Donna Martin
July 18, 2025
It was a pleasure to care for Tom. A very sweet man. And I´m sure the other Aides and RN nurses from Home Health felt the same way. Condolences to the Family.
David Wagoner
July 18, 2025
Tom and Bob, my condolences.
Tonya Churchman Jones
July 18, 2025
As a child growing up on Route 20,Mr. Blue´s basketball court was a community landmark!We didn´t have a ball and would throw rocks to make baskets. As the car made the climb up the hill from work ,he would simply wave and continue home. One day on our adventures of touring the neighborhood, a basketball was just sitting there waiting.The pure excitement we felt from the smallest gesture.As an adult I often drive by and look up on the hill where the basketball court once stood and smile. The beautiful memories remain. The physical presence has transcended but the memories are forever. Bobby and Tom sending you prayers for strength and comfort.
Bruce Gordo
July 18, 2025
Tom was as simply a good, honest and caring man. I am glad I had the good fortune to know him
Marguerite Dierauf
July 17, 2025
Tom was a fine person and a good friend for many years. He lived a good life.
Kay Slaughter
July 17, 2025
I am so sorry to learn of Tom's death and even sadder that I had not seen him in some time. I have the fondest memories of him and Jo.
Whenever we ran into each other, Tom and I would joke that Gerry Baliles owed to us his gubernatorial nomination and subsequent election as Virginia's Governor.
Our rationale?
We had worked for Gerry prior to his nomination as the Democratic candidate. We were the greeters for Baliles for Governor at the caucus meeting at the Albemarle County office building in 1985. (I had been working and making phone calls for Gerry the previous month out of Democrat Rey Barry´s Cville home office.).
We greeted every participant telling them that Gerry was there in person and that they could meet him and ask questions. "Dont believe us; see for yourself."
When he won the caucus over the more "liberal"
Lt Gov Dick Davis, Tom and I always jokingly asserted that our efforts had won the caucus; indeed, we asserted the Albemarle caucus had started a statewide trend and thus, we had gained Baliles the nomination (all this before we had nominating primaries).
He was a lovely man. And his partner in life, Jo was a thoughtful and dear person.
My deepest sympathy to his family, especially to Bob whom I have known over the decades.
Fondly,
Kay Slaughter
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