Thomas Sanne

1944 - 2025

SANNE, Thomas Earl, 81, died December 30, 2025, in Chicago, Ill., following a brief and unexpected illness.

Born July 27, 1944, Tom was raised in Richmond, Virginia, grew up in Highland Park, and graduated from John Marshall High School as a member of the Corps of Cadets. He attended night classes at VCU while working full time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Sanne; mother, Margaret Sanne; and sisters, Betsy Guy and Jacqueline Cox.

Tom began his career in Richmond in 1962, spending 43 years in information technology with Philip Morris and Kraft Foods, where he rose to global leadership roles. His career included assignments in New York, Zurich, London and Chicago.

Prior to his international assignments, Tom and his wife Sue made their home in Cartersville, Virginia. They meticulously restored the historic Cartersville Tavern over the course of 20 years and raised their family there. Wherever he lived, Tom found ways to serve including his time in the U.S. Army Reserve, as a Cartersville volunteer firefighter, as a technology industry advisor and guest lecturer, and as a leader on residential boards in Chicago and Sarasota, Florida.

Above all else, Tom was devoted to his family and to Sue, his partner of 56 years. They shared a deep love of travel, journeying to 37 countries and 44 states together, all of which were captured through Tom's photography. He brought the same care to documenting his family's history, self-publishing a detailed archive of genealogy, stories, and photos. But, the true measure of his devotion was how he showed up for his children and grandchildren. He answered their calls on the first ring - at any hour - ready with perspective, encouragement, support, and a laugh. On the sidelines of countless games and events, there was never any doubt where Tom was - his enthusiastic and unmistakable cheering made sure of that. He was always available, always engaged, and always their biggest fan.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Sanne; his children, Jay (Melissa) of Richmond, Matthew (Heather) of Arlington, and Margaret (Kevin) of Chicago; his cherished grandchildren, Jake, Max, and Kate; Luke, Will, and John; and Chase, who all knew him as "Duke."

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 21, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Bliley's Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cartersville Volunteer Fire Department via Venmo (@Cartersvillevolfire) or by mail to P.O. Box 38, Cartersville, VA 23027.