Raskin Family Launches Memorial Fund in Son’s Honor

On New Year’s Eve, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md. 8) and his wife Sarah Bloom Raskin announced the death of their son, Tommy who was 25.

Tommy Raskin was a second-year student at Harvard Law School and a graduate of Amherst College in Massachusetts. He attended Takoma Park Elementary School, Pine Crest Elementary, Eastern Middle School, and Montgomery Blair High School.

Rep. Raskin said in a statement, “Tommy was pure magic. His brilliance and compassion knew no bounds. He passionately loved his family, friends, and animals, and was devoted to the cause of the global poor.  We are devastated and demolished to be without him.”

With profound sorrow, Congressman Raskin and Sarah Bloom Raskin today announced the loss of their son Tommy: https://t.co/rvpgqv36L9 pic.twitter.com/nSo55xBUPx

— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) December 31, 2020

On Saturday, the Raskin family launched the Tommy Raskin Memorial Fund for People and Animals through the Greater Washington Community Foundation. The memorial fund began with an initial contribution of $50,000 and will continue raising money on a semiannual basis for causes that were important to Tommy Raskin like Oxfam, Give Directly, the Helen Keller Institute, and Animal Outlook.

A statement from Rep. Raskin’s office says that the family has been moved by tributes pouring in from community members and Tommy’s old teachers, friends and classmates.

Condolences can be sent to the family via Rep. Raskin’s email or via mail to the Rep. Raskin’s Rockville District Office, located at 51 Monroe Street, Suite 503, Rockville, MD 20850.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJoxtkHshDr/

The Raskin family will hold a private funeral service Tuesday morning in accordance to COVID-19 protocols. Later in January, the Raskin family will hold public virtual memorial services, which they will announce later.

On Monday evening, Rep. Raskin and Bloom Raskin published a moving essay about Tommy on Medium:

Rep. Raskin, Wife Pen Essay on Son: ‘A Radiant Light in This Broken World’

Tributes for Tommy Raskin Pour in on Social Media

Several leaders took to social media to share condolences with the Raskin family:

The First Lady and I extend our deepest sympathies over this heartbreaking loss. I ask all Marylanders to keep the Raskin family in your prayers. https://t.co/d5asbOartf

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) January 1, 2021

Katherine and I extend our deepest sympathy and love to Jamie and Sarah at this moment of immeasurable pain for them and their family on the loss of their beloved son Tommy. https://t.co/Z2kk5WFMd3

— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) January 1, 2021

Sharing love and prayers tonight for @RepRaskin and his family. Team Maryland is with you always.

— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) January 1, 2021

Sending condolences to my friends Jamie and Sarah and the entire Raskin family. Words cannot convey the depth of our sorrow for your tragic loss.

— Rep. John Sarbanes (@RepSarbanes) January 2, 2021

I am holding the Raskin family in my prayers. This is such a devastating loss for their family and our community. May he rest in eternal peace. https://t.co/hQLomN1aml

— Nancy Navarro (@nancy_navarro) December 31, 2020

Many of us are heartbroken about the tragic loss of Tommy Raskin, filled with sorrow & love for his wonderful family.
Please give what you can to the Tommy Raskin Fund for People and Animals to support the causes that this brilliant and kindhearted young man cared about the most. https://t.co/TDSqNJ3SPF

— Tom Hucker (he/him) (@tomhucker) January 3, 2021

The House of Representatives extends our deepest and personal condolences to @RepRaskin & his family on the passing of their beloved son, Tommy, whose "brilliance and compassion knew no bounds.”

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 1, 2021

Bruce and I are keeping our friends @RepRaskin and @SBloomRaskin in our prayers for the tragic loss of their son Tommy. Sending you all our love, strength, and support. https://t.co/32NMCcA1sB

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 1, 2021

My heartfelt condolences go out to Congressman @jamie_raskin and his wife, Sarah Bloom Raskin on the passing of their son Tommy. I’ve known the Raskins for years; Jamie is my congressmember and friend, and Sarah is a former colleague of mine.

— Tom Perez (@TomPerez) January 1, 2021

My heart breaks for my friend @RepRaskin, his wife and children, and everyone who knew and loved Tommy. Sending the Raskin family love, prayers, and my deepest sympathies in this unimaginably difficult time. https://t.co/snoZo47lVv

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) January 1, 2021

My heart is heavy and with the Raskin family. I pray love & strength find them in the wake of this profound loss.

Tommy was my constituent & I always loved our conversations, we shared many flights to DC. He brought so much light into the world. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/ucArLAb0Et

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) January 1, 2021

Heartbroken over this unimaginable loss. Praying for my friend @RepRaskin, Sarah, and everyone who loved Tommy. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/tpChYaWBrC

— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) January 1, 2021

So profoundly sorry for your and Sarah’s unfathomable loss. May you find strength and support in the love of family and friends and the well wishes of many others.

— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) January 1, 2021

Jennifer and I are praying for @RepRaskin and his family as they mourn the tragic loss of their son Tommy. May God watch over you during this heartbreaking time. https://t.co/8CFm07hJDS

— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) January 1, 2021

My condolences go out to Congressman @jamie_raskin and his wife, Sarah Bloom Raskin on the passing of their son Tommy.

There are no words.

Rest with the angels, Tommy.

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 1, 2021

All love to @RepRaskin, Sarah, Hannah, Tabitha and the entire Raskin family. Tommy was an original and his passage is a profound loss. Our entire community is heartbroken. https://t.co/yR4SwYG8lP

— Senator Will Smith (District 20) (@Willcsmithjr) December 31, 2020

Heartbroken tonight to hear of Tommy's passing. @jamie_raskin our hearts break with you, Sarah and the entire family. My thoughts, prayers, condolences, and love to you. https://t.co/XHZfKp8iFf

— Jheanelle Wilkins (@JheanelleW) January 1, 2021

This is gutting. Tommy was a brilliant and compassionate person.

Sending thoughts and love to Jamie, Sarah, and the Raskin family. https://t.co/fYljbQRMbL

— Vaughn Stewart (@DelegateStewart) December 31, 2020

So much heartbreak, but sending all my love @jamie_raskin, Sarah, Hannah, & Tabitha. I watched Tommy grow over the years & bring light to others. He'll be sorely missed 💔 https://t.co/eZxpXUYlIq

— David Moon (@DavidMoon2014) December 31, 2020