Thomas Walter Blekicki

Published 4:58 pm Friday, March 3, 2023

Thomas Walter Blekicki (Tom), 78, of Richmond, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Frances S. Blekicki and brother, Walter C. Blekicki. Tom is survived by his wife, Constance C. Blekicki; brother, John F. Blekicki of Reading, Pennsylvania; sons, Christopher T. Blekicki of Hauge, John S. Blekicki of Greensboro, North Carolina; daughters, Tamatha Burton of Norfolk and Heather Lansing of Richmond; grandchildren, Caroline and Sarah Burton of Norfolk, Georgia, Henry, Silas and Walter Blekicki of Greensboro, and Hannah and Lily Keller of Richmond.

Born and raised in Reading, he grew up with a love for family, athletics and his faith in Christ Jesus. He graduated high school from Central Catholic in Reading, and would attend the College of William and Mary with a major in physical education and later received an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. He began his career as a coach and teacher in Norfolk before taking the position of director of parks and recreation for the City of Suffolk. In 1988, Tom’s love for athletics and the outdoors would move his family to Richmond where he became the director of parks and recreation for the County of Henrico. Throughout his career with parks and recreation, Tom was involved in creating new parks, lakes to enjoy, athletic fields and playgrounds that still serve the communities of Suffolk and Henrico County. He served his community in many different capacities. He was a deacon at Second Baptist Church in Richmond, served as the president for Virginia Recreation and Parks Society and was an active member of the Henrico County Rotary Club. His family treasures memories of Tom fishing with his grandchildren, always taking pictures and capturing great moments, being outside in the sunshine doing yard work, planting and growing flowers in the garden, his love of music and his passion for sports. Most importantly his loved ones will remember Tom’s faithfulness to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Romans 8:17. 

Family and friends are being received at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 12, at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mill Road, Richmond. A funeral service follows at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation of the Virginia Recreation Parks Society, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike-Suite 109, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.