Samuel Cassel Bloom Jr.

1929 - 2022

SAMUEL C. BLOOM JR.

Samuel Cassel Bloom Jr. was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1929 to Samuel Cassel Bloom Sr. and Florence (Roshon) Bloom. Sam died peacefully at home in Escondido with his family by his side on Sunday September 25, 2022. He was the loving husband of Lois A. Bloom for 71 years.

Sam graduated from Lansdale High School in 1947. There he met Lois and they became lifelong sweethearts. They were married in 1950. Sam began work in the computer industry, then in its infancy. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and joined the Counter Intelligence Corps, assisting with the introduction of computers in the Army. That led to 45+ years in the computer industry in product marketing for Merck, Sperry Univac, Pertec, Ampex, and Contel Cado.

In 1967 the Blooms moved their family to Palos Verdes for a job opportunity. The family became active members at Neighborhood Church. Sam served on countless committees, including heading numerous selection efforts for new church leaders. With Lois, they sponsored the high school youth group which filled their lives with lasting relationships. Their trips to the Navajo Indian Reservation opened their eyes to a new community of friends.

In 1982 Sam and Lois' eldest child Sammy died by suicide. After receiving support from the LA Suicide Prevention Center and Didi HIrsch Mental Health Services with the Survivors After Suicide Support Group they volunteered as facilitators for other survivors for more than three decades. They also actively advocated for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. Sam was the President of the CA Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network and lobbied for Suicide Prevention to become a key part of the 2004 Mental Health Services Act.

Sam had a kind and generous spirit and was deeply devoted to his family, friends and faith. He had a great sense of humor, was a good listener, was an avid bird watcher, loved learning about history, gave great hugs and was a consummate napper. He was an early adopter that family chores be shared by both spouses. He was an incredibly supportive husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and uncle. He was also a role model and mentor to many over his lifetime, at work, church and in his personal life. Most importantly, he cared deeply about others, especially the less fortunate. Late in life he regularly spoke about world hunger and the need for all of us to remember the people in other parts of the world who struggle for every meal.

Earlier this year Sam and Lois relocated to Escondido to be closer to family.

Sam is survived by his wife Lois of 71 years, Daughters: Suzanne and Lisa, Grandsons: Matthew, Nicholas and David, Son-in-laws: Bart and Don, three great grandchildren, Sister: Phyllis Richardson, Sister-in-law: Shirlee Nicolino, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Sammy.

Sam's Memorial Service will be held at Neighborhood Church at 415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates on Saturday, November 5th, 2022 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to Save the Children or The World Food Program.