Thomas Hager Blatnik

Thomas Hager Blatnik, 68, of Leesburg, Virginia, formerly of Arlington, passed away unexpectedly on November 26, 2025. Tom was born on February 10, 1957, in Washington, D.C., to the late Congressman John A. Blatnik and Gisela Hager Blatnik. He is survived by his sisters, Stephanie Foxwell (Harry) and Valerie Mallett (Robert), and his nephew, Nathan Sigel.

After graduating from Curry College in Massachusetts, Tom began his career on Capitol Hill working for the Doorkeeper of the U.S. House of Representatives. For 37 years, he held various positions serving five House Sergeants at Arms. He became a familiar face at the Capitol, greeting thousands of visitors over the course of his career. He considered it an honor to be part of the place where important policy decisions were deliberated and debated, and took special pride in working in the same institution where his father, Rep. John Blatnik, represented Minnesota’s 8th District for 28 years.

He held great admiration and affection for his colleagues, maintaining close relationships with many even after they retired or moved on. He cared deeply about others, especially persons with disabilities and those facing special challenges – a compassion shaped in part by his own childhood diagnosis of dyslexia at a time when the learning disability was little understood. The passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 was deeply meaningful to him. He considered it a privilege to witness firsthand the debate on the ADA from the House galleries and was honored to join legislators and other guests at the White House for the signing of the Act into law.

Those who crossed paths with Tom consistently remarked on his extraordinary kindness, generous spirit, warmth, and sense of humor, qualities that defined him throughout his life. He retired in 2024 and enjoyed his retirement and new friends he made at Hessler Heights in Leesburg, Virginia. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in January. Additional information will be provided on the date and location of the service.