THOMAS BLACKBURN Obituary

THOMAS BLACKBURN
Thomas Roy Blackburn, Ph.D., 82, died peacefully on October 13, 2019, surrounded by loved ones. Born on November 30, 1936, in Webster Grove, Missouri, Tom was the son of Walter F. and Ginevra Thomas Blackburn, and the beloved husband of Catherine Lybarger Blackburn. Tom graduated from Carleton College and Harvard University, and was a chemistry professor at Hobart College in Geneva, NY, and St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC. He served as a grant administrator at the American Chemical Society in Washington DC, retiring in 2002. Tom was an accomplished cellist, performing with the Washington Civic Symphony and various quartets and trios. He was also the author of several novels set in the fictional Gabbro, North Carolina. Tom was a dedicated servant for the Friends of Peirce Mill volunteer organization. Longtime members of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Tom and Kate loved their church family. Among many other things, his family recalls the calm patience, beautiful music and wry sense of humor he brought to the sometimes chaos of large family life, and his belief that any pitch outside the strike zone was a moral failing. Surviving him in addition to his wife of 46 years are his children, Belle (Allen) Gironda, Bonnie (Steve) Blackburn-Penhollow, Christopher (Dina) Blackburn, Christopher (Kathy) Crenner, David (Sue) Blackburn, Michael (Anne) Blackburn, and Timothy Crenner. Also surviving are his sister, Rebecca Moss and his grandchildren, Mino, Caterina, Matt, Max, Ellie, Anna, Emily, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Frederick and Christopher, plus two great-grandchildren, Rose and Augusto. A celebration of Tom's life is planned for Spring 2020. Memorial donations in Tom's name can be made to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 1830 Conn. Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009. Please view and sign online guest book at www.fort-lincoln.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 31, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS BLACKBURN

5 Entries

Joe DeCicca

September 12, 2023

My sincere condolences to the entire Blackburn family, I was fortunate to have Dr. Blackburn for a Chem class in 1970 , he was a great professor who always took time to explain things, he was the best at what he did, Rest In Peace doc, an appreciative student / Joe DeCicca

Jan Cheripko

December 19, 2020

Kate,
I don't know if you remember me or not, but we taught together at Waterloo, H.S. many years back. You were a dear friend to me, when my life was just a step or two away from utter chaos. I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. I have fond memories of your loving family in a large Victorian in Geneva. You epitomized the best of Christianity. I hope you're well, and I, if you're so inclined, I'd love to hear from you. I can be reached via email at [email protected]

Wishing you all the best,

Jan Cheripko

Suzanne Claytor

November 3, 2019

Thomas Blackburn was a father figure to me. He was also one of my professors in college. I learned a great deal from him in both the family and professorial arenas. He was kind yet firm in pushing a student to their ultimate talents. He was a gifted musician and I often listened while he practiced his cello when I was visiting his daughter, one of my best friends. He is loved by many and very respected. Dr. Blackburn had a lot of grace and dignity both in and out of the classroom. Again, he will be missed. I hope many who have known him will follow his lead.

N. S.

October 31, 2019

My deepest sympathy to the family of Thomas Blackburn. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief. Psalm 94:17-19

Willard Larkin

October 31, 2019

As an (amateur) cellist and fellow member of the Kindler Cello Society with Tom, I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I recall with pleasure that we both had an interest in the development "new violin family" instruments, and that he once wrote an article for the Kindler Newsletter about his experience playing the extra-large cello in that set of instruments. We shared many other pursuits, both professionally and in other commitments. I've always felt a fond connection with Tom, even though we rarely saw each other in recent years. Blessings to the Blackburn family. ...Willard Larkin, Greenbelt, MD.

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