BLUM--Gerald. Gerald Blum, born September 1, 1924 in NYC, married, at Park East Synagogue, for 62 years, to Rena S. Acker on February 22, 1951 in NYC, died peacefully from complications related to dementia in Tucson, AZ on December 29, 2012. He is predeceased by father, Morris and mother, Sophie and mother-in-law, Pearl Acker. A graveside service at the family plot was held on Monday, December 31, 2012 at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, in NYC, conducted by Rabbi Harry Einsidler of Park East Synagogue, with a tribute by the U.S. Honor Guard and attended by a small gathering of family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Rena, sons, Samuel, Howard and Jonathan, daughter-in-law, Peggy, grandchildren, Marissa, Jessica and Dune, brother, Alvin, sister-in-law, Jean and their children, Susan and Michael. Gerald graduated Stuyvesant High School in 1942 and New York University in 1949. Gerald was honorably discharged from the Army Air Force in 1946 after serving in China during WWII. Gerry and Rena shared a passion to cruise the world on luxury liners. He retired as President and CEO of Fidelcor Business Credit Corp in 1989, after a career marked by innumerable commercial financings and a steady ascension to the top of a field he was instrumental in shaping. One young man said to him at an industry conference, "you are a legend." But more saliently, his career is marked by steadfast loyalty and teaching young men and women along the way. Quotes from colleagues post death, "loyal to a fault", "my George Bailey", "he looked out for his employees", "a class act and the best in the field." He will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues alike. Quote by industry executive from newspaper article "People like Gerry Blum are entrepreneurs, they're unique. They can't be duplicated.� Donations may be made in his memory to Jewish War Veterans jwv.org/donations/ donation.php and NYUStern sternalumni.nyu.edu and Park East Synagogue parkeastsynagogue.org/donation.php
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Dearest Rena, Howard, and Family,
Although we only got to know you, Gerry, and Howard the past few years in Tucson, we saw and commented on how wonderful you both were with Gerry. Amazingly wonderful. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. We hope that you find comfort in knowing that he is not suffering anymore. He will be missed.
Love,
Cora and Ron
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Gottlieb
January 10, 2013
Dear Rena,
Please accept our deepest sympathy at Gerry's passing.
We now live in Vermont and saw the obituary in the Times.
We will always remember the good times we had together in New York City.
Jack & Anneliese Lindner
January 8, 2013
Gerry was one of the greats. I had the honor of knowing him for a number of years after his retirement. He will be missed.
Gary Krasna
January 6, 2013
Rest in peace Gerry
Frank n joan Zdunek
January 6, 2013
I have fond memories of Mr. Blum. He was demanding but fair. My condolences to the
family.
Jeffrey Bilus
January 6, 2013
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more