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- [S285] Facebook, Obituary: Dooley, Thomas E.
Thomas E. Dooley known as "Tom" was a published author and an EMMY Award-Winning Producer in the 1970's & 1980's passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 in Washington, DC. At the time of his passing he resided in Rehoboth Beach, DE where he started the Radio station WWSX 99.1 FM. He was enjoying retirement while donating time to area radio stations which became his hobby. Tom, being a Catholic, volunteered many hours in various community projects. He also loved the many hours he had with his grandchildren. His first great grandchild, Preston, arrived a month ago and he was very proud. Tom was reared in St. Petersburg, Florida and graduated from Florida State University. He loved Florida State football but loved covering the Washington Redskins, Washington Capitals & Washington Bullets when given the opportunity. He always talked of his travels with Joe Theismann, the Hogs and Joe Gibbs. Tom had a long career in media including positions with Westinghouse, WTSP in St. Petersburg, WJZ in Baltimore, WTOP (channel 9) & WTOP radio. As owner of Eastern Video Systems in Washington DC in 1976 he was awarded the contract to cover the news at the White House, Capitol Hill & State Department for many years before Fox developed their local broadcasting market. Tom's crews covered President Reagan's assassination attempt with the devastating injury to Jim Brady. The Air Florida airplane crash into the 14th street bridge on the same day as another crew was covering one of the first major Metro crashes. The shooting on the National Mall as well as various major news stories. Another remembered time was during the Carter administration when Tom suffered a leg injury and when he was trying to go upstairs in the White House, President Carter saw him and told the Secret Service (who were not thrilled) that he had to use the family elevator, not the stairs. Tom is survived by Marilyn Barksdale, his wife of almost 60 years, whom he met at a local Florida TV station as a cameraman and his wife was a local anchor (ex Florida beauty queen). His devoted son in law Joe & daughter Heather Elizabeth who he was thrilled when she learned the ropes of covering the White House became a successful accountant but he could not be more proud. The most prized job was becoming a grandfather and now great grandfather. Tom is survived by his sister Diane Clark (Ron), nephew Ron Clark (Courtney), Niece Cynthia Dove (Roy) and another daughter Erin Kelly (Shawn), six grandchildren Amanda (Andrew), Jennifer (James), Michael (Laura), Brendan, James & Colin. Tom will be missed by his family & many friends.....mostly famous but he would never brag. His sense of humor & dedication to doing whatever was needed to get the "good shot" was central to knowing Tom. His crazy FB cat stories became his latest joy and the arrival of his great grandson became his most treasured event. Even though Tom & his family traveled and lived in many places. Washington, DC, Frederick & Poolesville, Maryland were his favorites. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that donations be made to the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department Pavilion Project, 19801 Beallsville Road, Beallsville, Maryland.
Thomas Dooley Facebook page: 01AUG2023
HFA: 02AUG2023
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