David Leslie Blue, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 26th at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida following a lengthy surgical procedure.

David was born to Sarajean and Donald Blue in Mt. Vernon, Ohio on April 24, 1950, where he spent his childhood years. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was a proud recipient of the Bronze Star. After returning from Vietnam, David graduated from THE Ohio State University. He served as a logistics manager for Sysco Food Systems for 34 years before retiring in 2015.

David is survived by his wife, Linda Steinmetz Blue (Bradenton, FL), his two sons, David Hunter and his wife Kate (Washington, DC), and William Maxwell (Gainesville, FL), as well as his cherished grandson, Connor Francis (Washington, DC). He is also survived by his brother William Blue, his wife Debbie (Nashport, OH), several nieces and nephews, and his loving shadow, Pretzel Potcake Blue. His childhood friends were his dearest and remained so to the very end.

David is remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather (Papa), brother, uncle, and friend. He was a staunch supporter of THE Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Indians, the Browns, Hebron High School, the USMMA, and the USNA, despite having served in the Army. He continued to serve his community and veterans as a regular volunteer at Turning Points, a homeless resource center, the local VFW, and the American Legion in Bradenton.

While some may have perceived him as quiet, many recognized him as an incredibly caring and compassionate person, a pillar of strength. David was known to his family and friends as a connoisseur of coffee and Cabernet Sauvignon, a sudoku master, a dog lover, a consummate reader, a fan of rock and roll music, and he possessed a complex sense of humor. He and Linda were avid world travelers, especially over the past several years making dear friends along the way. Global travel and cultural education epitomized their shared joy after retiring to Florida in 2017.

Burial arrangements have not been finalized. There will be a celebration of David’s life in the future.