Senate Resolution No. 1157
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Raphael F. Blue,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Raphael F. Blue, of Peekskill, New York, died on Wednesday,
May 21, 2025, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, On August 17, 1950, Raphael F. Blue, the eldest of four
children, was born to Jacqueline Millicent "Jackie" Smith and George W.
Fleming in Norfolk, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Raphael F. Blue was raised by Jackie and Jeptha B. Blue in
Peekskill; known to family and friends as "Ray," he was the first
grandchild of Ursula Mahon-Smith and Coleman Smith, Sr., who raised
twelve children, including his beloved mother; he was a favorite nephew
to his many aunts and uncles and had many cousins; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Peekskill High School, where he
excelled in football, baseball, and every other sport he played, Raphael
F. Blue left Peekskill to obtain his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from
William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa; he earned his Master of
Clinical Social Work degree from the University of Iowa; and
WHEREAS, Raphael F. Blue worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(LCSW) in the VA Hospital and Adjunct Professor at Mercy College and the
University of New York where he taught Sociology and Academic Enrichment
Skills; he also created the College Incentive Program for Alternative
High School Students in Mount Vernon; and
WHEREAS, Raphael F. Blue is Founder and Executive Director of
Cross-Cultural Connection, Inc., a non-profit jazz organization which
focuses 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; and
WHEREAS, Traveling, playing jazz music, entertaining, teaching, and
mentoring were Raphael F. Blue's delights; an experienced reader of
sheet music, he played original jazz compositions and taught and
mentored musicians in countries on many continents; he traveled all over
the world, including the United States Department of State tours to
South Africa, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Gabon, and Zambia; his legacy is his
music which can be enjoyed in his many recordings; and
WHEREAS, One of the many highlights of Raphael F. Blue's
professional career occurred in 2003 when he performed at the Macufe
Festival in Bloemfontein, South Africa; the legendary
trumpeter/bandleader, Hugh Masekela, invited him onstage to play with
him in front of a huge jazz festival crowd; and
WHEREAS, Raphael F. Blue received many awards and recognitions over
the years, including the Distinguished Career Award from his Alma Mater,
William Penn University, in 2010; in 2013, he was inducted into the New
York Hall of Blues as a Master Blues and Jazz Artist; the City of
Peekskill proclaimed February 2014 as "Ray Blue Month" to thank him for
his service to the Peekskill community and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Raphael F. Blue is survived by his loving wife of 23 years,
Riitta Blue; sons, Maurice and Jason Blue; brother, Sylvester; aunts,
Carmen and Angie; nephew, Gary J. Gilchrest; nieces, Michelle R.
Gilchrest and Christin "Boomanchew" Gilchrest; grandchildren, Ava
Christine Blue, Kennedy Reese Blue, Jackson Patrick Blue, Sydney Shea
Blue, and Mackenzie Beth Harris; lifetime friends, Billy Thomas, Joe
Cattuti, and many of his high school friends; friends, Ralph Leapheart,
Moss Duddley, and Alfio Tognocchi from his college years; and many other
family members, friends, and music brothers and sisters; he was
predeceased by his beloved parents; sister, "Gwennie" Blue-Gilchrest;
brother, Steven "Stevie" Blue; and aunts and uncles, 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; and
WHEREAS, Raphael F. Blue always acted with conviction and a deep
commitment to his community; he was transparent and had no problem
"telling it like it is"; he was bluntly honest and trustworthy which
attracted many people to him; he shared knowledge and gave support to
others without hesitation; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Raphael F. Blue leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Raphael F. Blue; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Raphael F. Blue.
