Obituary of Thomas Blaskovics

Dr. Thomas Lee Blaskovics, 84, of Morgantown, died Wednesday, December 6, 2017.  Son of Mitar and Mileva Cvisich Blaskovics, he was born February 6, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI. 

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kay Blaskovics; son, Nick and wife Tammy Blaskovics; daughter, Sara Blaskovics; grandchildren, Danielle and Stephan Blaskovics; sister, Margie Latinovitch; sister-in-law, Joan Blaskovics; and brother-in-law, Bill James. He was Uncle Tom to a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Milan Blaskovics.

Tom died peacefully in his sleep, and he had such a story to be told. He had a full life. Tom and his wife Kay had a love affair for the ages, if only others are so lucky. They met in Arkansas… a damn Yankee marrying into a southern family. He was accepted and respected by everyone. Tom and Kay traveled extensively, the great cities of Europe, Russia and Scandinavia. They particularly enjoyed Italy where they shared great food and fine wine. They explored the south Pacific and Caribbean, and loved Jamaica.

His family emigrated from Yugoslavia and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tom, Milan, and Margie were first generation Americans born of immigrant parents. All were college educated and went on to be successful in their chosen careers as a professor (Tom), physician (Milan) and Registered Nurse (Margie). His father worked as a butcher in the family business, Blaskovics Meat Market. Tom and his older brother Milan both worked as butchers as young men.

One of his first jobs as a young man was working as a boat tender and crew member for August Busch on his racing sailboat. He also worked in the brewery owned by Mr. Busch. Tom served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.

Tom received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Marquette, a Master’s of Science Degree from the University of Arkansas, and a Doctorate Degree of Education from the University of Wisconsin.  After completing his education, he became a professor at West Virginia University. “Dr. B” began his career in rehabilitation then decided to pursue his interest in technology through Computer Science and the Business College. As a tenured professor for over 30 years, his legacy will live on for generations. Always the teacher, even in retirement he led lively discussions among past students and family friends. 

In the early days of computers, Tom was a pioneer. There was a working modem accessing the Internet in the house in the mid 70’s. He and his partner, Jim Kutch, created the original computer based testing program establishing the ability of a computerized system to randomly generate questions in a given class. The system is used worldwide to this day in all major academic programs.

A lifelong skier, his time stretched back to the days of wooden skis and lace up leather boots. Tom was a member of the original ski patrol in Aspen Colorado. He additionally patrolled the mountains of Arapahoe Basin. He trained with the US Olympic Team until a broken leg on patrol ended his Olympic dream in Giant Slalom. He instilled that love of speed and the outdoors in his children, grandchildren and their friends as a teacher.

He was a sports car enthusiast. His pride and joy was a 1962 Austin Healey BJ7 which he restored to show quality. The little red car still makes an occasional appearance on the streets of Morgantown.

In the last few years, he loved hearing her fire up in the garage with the classic Healey sound as she purred.  He was also diligent and interested in keeping the tradition alive as a historian of the worldwide Austin Healey BJ7 registry.

A long time WVU fan, the family has had season tickets to Mountaineer football for over 52 years. From the old stadium downtown to the modern one in his backyard, Tom and Kay were fixtures at the games cheering on the Mountaineers. They hosted the infamous “5th Quarter” at the house with their crew of WVU faculty and friends over the years. Tom would still visit the occasional tailgate for a “Moscow Mule” or two with the gang.

Tom loved to cook and share meals with friends. ”The Serbian Recipe” of salt, pepper, garlic and olive oil was the cornerstone of all great food in the Blaskovics household. A favorite quote was “If you know how to make a great turkey, you will never be alone for the holidays”. It is a skill that both children and grandchildren have taken to heart. He liked good scotch…cheers!

We love and miss you…we all lost a special person that changed our world.

After the holidays a celebration of his life will be held locally for family and friends.

Donations in his memory can be made to “The Friends of Decker’s Creek” @ deckercreek.org/donate, 205 Parsons St, Morgantown WV 26505 or The Democratic National Committee @ https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/donate-to-help-democrats-today

Send condolences online at hastingsfuneralhome.com

 

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