Samuel Blumenthal

1929 - 2018

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Samuel Blumenthal of Bloomfield, formerly of W. Hartford, at Duncaster Retirement Community on Dec 28, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Hartford on May 26, 1929 to Harry S. Blumenthal and Emma Weiner Blumenthal. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Frances (Finesilver) Blumenthal and his 3 children: Betsy (Dr. Jonathan Root) of San Francisco, Edward (Carolyn McKenna) of W. Hartford, and Laurence (Vered) of Jerusalem, Israel. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Noah, Charlotte, and Nathaniel Blumenthal, Max and Arthur Root, and Ahinoam Emma, Benyamin, and Lavi Blumenthal; and by 2 step-granddaughters, Caitlin and Liza Fabbri. He also leaves his sister Joan Harris and was predeceased by his brother, Harry S. Blumenthal, Jr. He graduated from the Loomis School in 1947 and from Hobart College in '51. He spent 2 years in the U.S. Army, 9 months of which were in Korea '52-'53 stationed at the 8th Army 1st Corps in Uijonbu, just above the 2022nd MASH Hospital. After being discharged he worked for his brother-in-law at Harris & Co., and then began a 40 year career in the brokerage business starting at Putnam & Co., the predecessor firm to Advest Inc. He became a partner and managed their W. Hartford office and then managed the main office in downtown Hartford. He became the administrative partner of the firm, and when Advest incorporated, he became an original director of the new corporation. He served as a director of the Mt. Sinai Hospital, the St. Francis Hospital Men's Assoc., the Hartford Easter Seal Assoc., the Hartford Jewish Federation and the CT State Senior Golf Assoc., where he became a director emeritus. He served 2 separate terms as a commissioner of the W. Hartford Pension Board. At Tumblebrook C.C. he became a member of the board in his late twenties and served in that capacity for many years, becoming an honorary member when he turned 70. He served as president for 4 years, during which time the club had a spectacular celebration for its 50th anniversary. In addition, he served as Green Committee Chairman for 18 consecutive years. He is currently a member of the Hartford Golf Club and Jonathan's Landing Golf Club in Jupiter, FL. He and Frances have been lifelong members of Congregation Beth Israel. Sam's nickname was Mule, which suited him well because he was stubborn, although he maintained it was due to a childhood friend who misspelled his name. He was a determined, tenacious and fierce competitor. After returning from Korea, he won the TBCC Club Championship two years in a row, and a third time 10 years later. He won the Senior Club Championship 9 times and in 1991 he qualified for the U.S. Golf Association Senior Amateur Championship. During his long career he made 7 holes-in-one and 27 eagle 2's (on par 4 holes.) He first shot his age at 73 and has done it numerous times since, most recently at age 82. He and Frances made many trips to Europe, principally France. Their last in '91 was a golf trip where they played on 11 courses in 18 days. Sam and Frances spent winters in Florida for the last 20 years. There, he particularly enjoyed playing with a group with the unique name of the "U-stabees". At age 50 he started training in the Korean Martial Art of Hapkido and earned his black belt 8 years later. Sam was realistic, level-headed and cool in an emergency. He was a highly principled man with strong convictions about fiscal responsibility in government. He was a devoted and loyal friend and a lifelong supporter of the NY Giants. He loved good food and was legendary for searching out, purchasing (if the price was right) lobsters as large as 10 lbs. Baked lobster was his specialty, complete with his own recipe for stuffing. With great attention to every detail, he exploded the myth that large lobsters are not as tender as small ones. He was a creature of habit. In the heat of summer or in freezing weather, he could be found after dinner on the screened porch smoking cigars and playing solitaire. By his own admission, he led a fortunate life and didn't leave anything undone. We owe a special debt of gratitude to the caregivers – Lucretia and Florence Grant, Chelsia Morris – who took care of him the final month of his life. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jewish Community Foundation, Samuel and Frances Blumenthal Fund, 333 Bloomfield Ave, W.Hartford, CT 06117. The funeral service took place at Weinstein Mortuary on Sunday December 30. Samuel was then interred at Beth Israel Cemetery in Avon.