Anthony Blue Obituary, Death Cause – On Monday, December 25th, Anthony Dias Blue, affectionately known as Andy, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 5, 1941, in Larchmont, New York, to Gertrud and Sidney Blue, Andy’s remarkable journey through life was marked by a contagious enthusiasm for the finer things it had to offer.
Andy’s lifelong passion for wine, spirits, and food blossomed into a legendary career as a critic, making him a renowned figure in the culinary world. His undeniable zest for life was mirrored in his professional pursuits, where the best meal or drink was consistently the most recent one, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and love for discovery.
A graduate of Riverdale and Amherst, Andy’s journey continued when he met Kathryn Koshland in 1964. They married in 1967, welcoming their four children, Caitlin, Toby, Jessica, and Amanda. In 1978, the family moved to San Francisco, marking the beginning of Andy’s deep love affair with wine. His impact on the industry was undeniable as he founded the San Francisco Wine Competition and, later, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
These competitions, considered the most important and prestigious in the world, reflect the indelible mark Andy left on the world of wine and spirits. An avid sports fan, Andy faithfully supported the NY/San Francisco Giants and the SF 49ers, celebrating numerous World Championships and Super Bowl victories with his beloved teams. A lover of music, he passed down his eclectic taste, from Earth Wind & Fire to Steely Dan, to his children and grandchildren.
As an inveterate traveler, Andy was welcomed into the best wineries, distilleries, and restaurants worldwide, where his valued opinion was eagerly awaited. Survived by his bride of 56 years, Kathy, his four children, and nine grandchildren, Andy’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, forever relishing in the joy of family, flavor, and a life well-lived.