Tom hired me into the Math Development program in 2003 when I had tired of corporate life and I will be forever grateful for that.  He was an excellent manager, cared deeply for both students and employees, and built a great team of instructors.  I will always remember those good years with Tom at NEIU.

I met Mr Blackburn through Illinois Saint Bernard Rescue. Tom and I became good friends over the years. He was always such a kind man who lived these giants as I did. I will miss out conversations discussing the next batch of Saints coming in. I’m sure your Saints were waiting for you my dear friend! God Speed!

Charlotte Flatte:  I knew Thomas Blackburn since 1993. It was my first year in USA. By that time I had already about 20 year experience of teaching math in university setting. But it was in Russia. Nobody recommended me to him. Tom just looked at some of my articles and text-books for students, and hired me. Sure, I was happy. Tom was not only a good teacher, but also a really talented boss. He built a team of people who knew the subject, liked their job and felt responsibility for each of their student. I always knew that anytime he is ready to help. Sometimes I asked for his advice even when it was not related with our job. We became not only colleagues but also friends. We liked to get together for lunches at any place, at home of one of us, or at Tom's home. Grief can be hard, but our special memories help us cope. We'll remember Tom and miss him always.

I worked with Tom at Northeastern Illinois University and he always kept a cool calm head during all of the usual administrative mayhem.  I got him a jar of Blackburn jelly and was happy to see it years later sitting on his shelf in his office...unopened.  My aunt and I still use Blackburn jelly jars and actually every time I see one, I think of the amiable mathematics professor, Tom Blackburn.  Art the NEIU Locksmith

I was Tom’s boxing instructor at Loyola Park from 1978 to 1980. Tom truly loved boxing. He built up an outstanding boxing program at Loyola often spending his own money for equipment. Rarely did he miss training sessions and didn’t hesitate to jump in the ring for a sparring session. Tom was a true  good guy.

Tom and I were math colleagues at Northeastern Illinois University. We both loved to run and swim, so we trained together for half-marathons and triathlons.   I remember in particular a day in which he treated my wife and me to a beautiful post-run celebration meal at his home after a half-marathon we did together.  He liked to keep friends together, so there were often lunches somewhere in the suburbs for all the scattered math folks in our midst that he helped put together.  I will keep the memories of those training runs around Northeastern, as well as the runs ran.  And also our work together to make math relevant and possible for so many of our students.

Tom and I were math colleagues at Northeastern Illinois University. We both loved to run and swim, so we trained together for half-marathons and triathlons.   I remember in particular a day in which he treated my wife and me to a beautiful post-run celebration meal at his home after a half-marathon we did together.  He liked to keep friends together, so there were often lunches somewhere in the suburbs for all the scattered math folks in our midst that he helped put together.  I will keep the memories of those training runs around Northeastern, as well as the runs we ran.  And also our work together to make math relevant and possible for so many of our students.

OBITUARY

Thomas Joseph Blackburn

October 4, 1947 – May 10, 2021

Glueckert Funeral Home

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