Charles Thomas Bleha Obituary (1935 - 2025)

Born Jun 08, 1935, Charles Thomas Bleha attended Charlevoix High School in Charlevoix, MI. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Charles Thomas Bleha.

Graduation Year	Class of 1952
Date of Birth	Jun 08, 1935
Date of Passing	Mar 26, 2025
About	Thomas Bleha, a retired diplomat, expert in Japanese culture, and devoted husband, father and friend, passed away in Virginia on March 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Charlevoix, Michigan to Charles J. Bleha and Esther (FitzGerald) Bleha, who preceded him in death. Tom grew up both in Charlevoix and Oberlin, Ohio while his father was serving in the Second World War. A lifelong Cleveland Indians fan, Tom never lost his boyhood enthusiasm for the team, even in their most challenging seasons. A graduate of University of Michigan and Columbia University, Tom had a deep love of learning and education which he pursued throughout his life. His distinguished career as a Foreign Service officer was marked by grace and dedication, fostering understanding and connection between cultures. His deep knowledge of Japan, combined with his work as a diplomat, left a lasting impact on the many individuals and institutions he worked with. Tom possessed a remarkable gift for storytelling that captivated everyone fortunate enough to be in his company. Whether recounting diplomatic adventures or childhood memories, his natural charm and wit turned even the most ordinary tales into unforgettable narratives. In addition to his diplomatic endeavors, Tom was an avid photographer and a passionate enthusiast of fine arts. He was the author of "Life's Rich Pattern," a reflection of his vast experiences and unique perspective on life. An accomplished photographer with a keen eye for beauty in the everyday, Tom documented his journey through life with both technical skill and artistic sensitivity. What truly defined Tom was his gentle and thoughtful nature. His intellectual curiosity never waned, yet it was always tempered with charm and humility and his generous spirit. He was known for his warm heart, his ability to listen attentively, and the genuine interest he took in others' lives and stories. Tom is survived by his wife, Natasha, and the children of his first wife, Irene Pearson Bleha (deceased), Sarah (Doug) Miller, Rachel and Daniel; his grandchildren, Olivia, Madeline, Sebastian, Isabel and Graham; His brother, John and family of Cincinnati, OH; and cousin, John Jolley and family of Cheyenne, WY; and his devoted dog, Katya. A funeral service will be held on April 25th, 2025, at 11 a.m., St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, DC. To watch online, please find the live stream at: https://stjohns-dc.org/worship/live/. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at St. John's. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Arlington Public Library or Project Street Vet, two causes that reflect Tom’s love of learning and compassion for all living things.