Obituary of Raphael F Blue

Raphael Blue was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on August 17, 1950, to Jacqueline Millicent “Jackie” Smith and George W. Fleming. 

He was raised by Jackie and Jeptha B. Blue in Peekskill, NY.  Known to family and friends as “Ray,” he was the eldest of four children.  Ray was the “first” grandchild of grandparents Ursula Mahon-Smith and Coleman Smith Sr., who raised TWELVE children, including his beloved Mother, Jackie. So, Ray was a favorite nephew to his many Aunts and Uncles and has many cousins!

Ray was a devoted husband to his wife of 23 years, Riitta Blue, who mourns him.  He was a loving and caring father to Maurice Blue and Jason Blue.  He was a loving grandfather to Ava Christine Blue, Kennedy Reese Blue, Jackson Patrick Blue, Sydney Shea Blue, and Mackenzie Beth Harris.  Ray adored his Aunts Carmen and Angie.  He also loved his aunts and uncles, who predeceased him.  David Calvin Smith, Coleman Smith Jr., Muriel Consuela Smith, Roaul Francis Smith, Raphael Kent Smith, Lola Smith, Lowell Smith, Romaine Smith-Jameson, and Alma Smith.

After graduating from Peekskill High School, where he excelled in football, baseball, and every other sport he played, Ray left Peekskill (his trusty saxophone in tow) and headed to Iowa to attend and obtain his BA Degree in Sociology from Wm. Penn University, Oskaloosa, Iowa.  He went on to graduate with a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Iowa, Iowa City.  He worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the VA Hospital, and later as Adjunct Professor at Mercy College and the University of New York, where he taught Sociology and Academic Enrichment Skills.  He also created a College Incentive Program for Alternative High School Students in Mount Vernon, NY.  Ray Blue is the Founder and Executive Director of Cross-Cultural Connection, Inc. – a non-profit jazz organization, focusing on teaching, developing, and presenting live jazz to students and wider audiences.  The annual Jazz in the Park Festival at the Peekskill Riverfront Park was close to his heart.

Traveling, playing jazz music, entertaining, teaching, and mentoring were Ray’s delights.  An experienced reader of sheet music, Ray played original jazz compositions, taught, and mentored musicians in countries on many continents.  He traveled all over the world, including the U.S. State Department Tours to South  Africa, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Gabon, and Zambia.  One of the many highlights of his professional career occurred in 2003 when he performed at the Macufe Festival in Bloemfontein, South Africa.  The legendary trumpeter/bandleader, Hugh Masekela, invited Ray onstage to play with him in front of a huge jazz festival crowd.  Ray Blue’s legacy is his music, which can be enjoyed in his many recordings.

Ray received many awards and recognitions over the years, including the Distinguished Career Award from his Alma Mater, Wm. Penn University in 2010.  He was inducted into the New York Hall of Blues in 2013 as a Master Blues and Jazz Artist.  The city of Peekskill proclaimed February 2014 as the “Ray Blue Month” to thank Ray for his service to the Peekskill community and beyond. 

Essentially, Ray Blue was just a good dude.  He was transparent and had no problem telling it “Like it is.” Ray was bluntly honest and trustworthy, which attracted many people to him.  He shared knowledge and gave support to others without hesitation. 

Ray will be sorely missed by family, friends, and music brothers and sisters alike.  Ray is survived by his loving wife, Riitta, his sons, Maurice and Jason, and his brother, Sylvester.  He was an adoring uncle to Michelle R. Gilchrest, Gary J. Gilchrest and Christin “Boomanchew” Gilchrest.  In addition to his beloved parents, Ray was predeceased by his sister, “Gwennie” Blue-Gilchrest, and his brother, Steven “Stevie” Blue, both of whom he was very protective of. His lifetime friends were Billy Thomas, Joe Cattuti, and many of his high school friends from Peekskill.  And also,  Ralph Leapheart, Moss Duddley,  Alfio Tognocchi,  from his college years.  We celebrate a life well-lived!

There is an expression, “As long as you remember someone, they never really leave you.  Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of you.” This saying has never been more poignant than now.

“I will glory in the Lord:  Let the humble hear and rejoice”  (Psalm 34) 

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY, on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Celebration of Life will be held at The A.M.E. Zion Church, 1220 Park Street, Peekskill, NY, on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 10:00 am

Private Cremation Ceremony to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Raphael's memory can be made to Cross Cultural Connection, Inc.