Carl W. Blum

Age 64 died suddenly on Thursday May 20 2004 in Thousand Oaks CA.
He was born on May 1 1940 in Camden NJ to Mattias and Helen Blum. Carl was raised in Pauls-boro NJ. He graduated from Paulsboro High School in 1957 and was class president for all 4 years.
Carl played football basketball baseball and track at Paulsboro High School from 1953 to 1957 where he lettered at Varsity 8 times being named to numerous First Place player awards in these sports. Carl was named to the All-Time Paulsboro High School Athletic Honor Roll 'The Best in the Business.'
After leaving Paulsboro High he entered Wake Forest University in North Carolina on a full football scholarship where he excelled starting as halfback in his sophomore year. Carl continued to play sports his entire life; softball basketball and of course his big love golf. He was a member of Sunset Hills Country Club for 30 years.
Carl shared his love for golf hunting and Gin playing with a circle of loving friends and will be remembered not only for his pranks that he so enjoyed but for his presence in our lives.
He married his high school sweetheart Joan DiNicola on November 11 1961. They resided in Gibbstown NJ where he was an active member of St. Michael's Italian American Club. Carl Joan and their three children moved to Thousand Oaks in 1970 and resided in the Wildwood area of Thousand Oaks for 32 years.
Carl was planning commissioner in Thousand Oaks in the late 70's and early 80's. He was President of the Wildwood Homeowner's Association in the 70's and this produced many lasting friendships and memories - float building for Conejo Valley Days camping trips motorcycle rides political campaigns and good times.
He was a member of the Thousand Oaks Rotary and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of St. Paschal's Catholic Church.
His professional career was in the Insurance Industry as a Safety Engineer. Carl was a licensed Professional Safety Engineer in the State of California. He worked for the St. Paul Insurance Companies from 1969-1987 and was self employed for the past 17 years.
In 2002 Carl and Joan retired to The Villages Florida where Carl continued his game of golf but continued his ties with Thousand Oaks and his many friends in the area.
Carl is survived by his wife Joan of 43 years; 3 children: Carl Jr. (wife Lucinda) Alisa Barbarino (husband Francesco) Lynne Marie Messit (husband Arthur) and 7 grandchildren (including newborn Lily born April 15).
He is also survived by his parents Helen and Mattias Blum of Newbury Park CA. brother Rodger Blum of Newbury Park; also nieces nephews other relatives and many friends.
A list of achievements and dates cannot convey who Carl Blum was. Words alone cannot convey the love and loyalty he had for his family and his friends. Our loss is great but the love we have for this man is greater and will remain forever strong.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday May 24 2004 from 10-11 am at St. Paschal's Catholic Church Thousand Oaks CA followed by a Mass. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to te American Diabetes Association in his name.