Thomas B. Blue, 64, formerly of Waterbury, passed away unexpectedly
at his home in Fort Myers Beach, FL, on Sunday, April 11, 2010. Born in
Santa Monica, CA, on December 17, 1945, he was the son of the late
Malcolm C. and Mary Alice Blue. On July 18, 1970, he married the former
Colleen Curtin at Fort Dix, NJ. Colleen passed away on October 24, 1996.
Tom grew up in Bristol, PA, and was a 1963 graduate of Bishop Egan High
School in Levittown, PA. He continued his education at Syracuse
University where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity graduating in
1967. He remained active as an alumni representative. A veteran of the
Vietnam War, Tom served with the U.S. Army where he received the Purple
Heart, the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged at the rank of 1st
lieutenant. He then received his masters in business administration from
Temple University in 1976. Shortly thereafter, he and Colleen relocated
to Vermont.
Tom worked for several years as a computer programmer for the state of
Vermont. He also taught economics at Johnson State College, the College
of St. Joseph and then more recently at Champlain College. He later
accepted a position as a computer analyst with Boston University. He
recently retired and moved to Fort Myers Beach, FL.
While living in Vermont, Tom was an active member of St. Andrew Catholic
Church, the Knights of Columbus - Father Galligan Council # 2085. While
in Florida, Tom was a weekly volunteer at the VA and an active member
of Faith United Methodist Church. An avid sailor, Tom spent his most
enjoyable moments out on the water. He obtained his U.S. Coast Guard
captain's license and ran his own charter sailing company.
He is survived by his children, Stacey Blue of Raleigh, NC, Katie Blue
Martin and her husband Levi and their daughter Cooper, all of Raleigh,
NC, Michael Blue of Sumner, WA; his companion, Janet Hladik of Fort
Myers Beach, FL; a sister-in-law, Ruth Blue of Hixson, TN; and nieces,
Sandi Blue Savarese of Buford, GA, and Thi Schultz of Beaverton, OR;
several cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Andrew Catholic
Church in Waterbury on June 12, 2010, at 11 a.m. with a reception to
follow in the church parish hall. Friends may call at the Perkins-Parker
Funeral Home in Waterbury on June 11 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Inurnment with military honors will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in
Duxbury. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial
gifts would be appreciated to the Community Sailing Center, P.O. Box
64818, Burlington, VT 05406 or the Edison Sailing Center, 15880
Summerlin Road #300-175, Fort Myers, FL 33908. To send online
condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
