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Russell Blue. CRAIG MACNAUGHTON
Russell Blue, a beloved resident of Water Mill, known for his wit, sharp humor, athleticism, and respected professional contributions, died on April 15. He was 64.
Born and raised alongside his brother Darryl, he attended Lawrence High School. In 1977, he started his education at SUNY Oneonta. His passion for architecture led him to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he graduated in 1984 with a degree in architecture.
He founded Blue Prints Architecture, a firm that provided custom designs across the Tri-State region and the East End of Long Island. He became LEED certified, and under his leadership, the firm was instrumental in the creation of over 50 beautiful homes and spaces on the South Fork and in New York City. His expertise also extended to commercial, retail, and hospitality projects, including several renowned restaurants, clubs, and offices.
On July 21, 1991, he married the love of his life, Sara Mazlin. Together, they welcomed their son Dylan in 1996. Blue’s family was his pride and joy, and he balanced his professional achievements with a deep commitment to community service. He enjoyed traveling with his family between his busy work-life schedule.
A man of many talents, Blue was an avid athlete, shining on both the softball and tennis courts. He participated in the Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game for over 25 years, raising funds for local charities including The Retreat, The Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, Phoenix House Academy and East End Hospice. In 1999, he and a group softball players from The Stephen Talkhouse traveled to Cuba, where they built a bridge, donated equipment, and forged friendships with local baseball players.
Blue’s philanthropic efforts extended to numerous causes. He was a long-time supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project. He also volunteered with The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, an organization that ensures access to state-of-the-art breast health services, for over a decade, and where his wife is the coordinator of special events. In 2016, Blue joined the board of Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach, a cause close to both his and his wife’s hearts. In 2020, he became chairman of the board.
Blue’s love for music was a defining aspect of his life. A devoted fan of the Grateful Dead, he attended over 200 of the band’s concerts. Music continued to be a family affair, as he frequently attended shows at the Stephen Talkhouse with his wife and son, a venue that felt like a second home to them.
He was also a staple in the Hamptons art scene, known for his appreciation of the arts and his enduring presence at local events. His quick wit and humor brought joy to many, and his legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Sara Blue; son Dylan Blue; mother Saundra Menaker; brother Darryl and his wife Shanon and their son Jesse.
He is interred at the Temple Adas Israel Cemetery in Sag Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach (maureenshaven.org) or The Ellen Hermanson Foundation (ellenhermanson.org) in honor of his memory and his lifelong dedication to helping others.
Staff Writer on Jul 1, 2024