Thomas E. Dooley, author, award-winning producer

Thomas E. Dooley, known as "Tom," passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Tom was a published author and an Emmy award-winning producer in the 1970s and 1980s. 

At the time of his passing, he resided in Rehoboth Beach, 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, Fla., and graduated from Florida State University. He loved Florida State football but loved covering the Washington Redskins, Washington Capitals and 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) and WTOP radio. As owner of Eastern Video Systems in Washington, D.C., in 1976, he was awarded the contract to cover the news at the White House, Capitol Hill and State Department for many years before Fox developed itslocal 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 his wife of almost 60 years, Marilyn Barksdale, 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 and daughter Heather Elizabeth, he was thrilled when she learned the ropes of covering the White House then 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); another daughter, Erin Kelly (Shawn);  and six grandchildren, Amanda (Andrew), Jennifer (James), Michael (Laura), Brendan, James and Colin.

Tom will be missed by his family and many friends, mostly famous but he would never brag. His sense of humor and dedication to doing whatever was needed to get the "good shot" was central to knowing Tom. His crazy Facebook cat stories became his latest joy, and the arrival of his great-grandson became his most treasured event.

Even though Tom and his family traveled and lived in many places, Washington, D.C., and Frederick and Poolesville, Md., were his favorites.   

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, Pavilion Project, 19801 Beallsville Road, Beallsville, MD  20839. 

Arrangements by Hilton Funeral Home, hiltonfh.com.