Dr. Charles Robert Bloom

RIVER FOREST, ILL. - Dr. Charles Robert Bloom, 99, died at home on Tuesday, December 12, 2006, after a brief illness. Charlie was born in Chicago, Ill. on May 6, 1907, the son of Ida and Isaac Bloom. He was the third of four children to his immigrant parents. Growing up in Cicero, Ill., hard work and education was emphasized, as he and his siblings all earned College and Graduate Degrees. Charlie earned his Medical Degree in 1931 at the University of Illinois. He was a proud member of the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, where he formed many lifelong friendships. After completing his internship at Cook County Hospital, he embarked on a long and successful medical career, witnessing and participating in the evolution of modern medicine. As a Medical Officer in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, he worked to save enough money to open his practice the next year, during the depth of the Depression. His general practice continued until his retirement in 1984, interrupted only by his military service in World War II. There, he served as a Medical Officer in North Africa and England, achieving the rank of Captain. After the war, he resumed his practice in Cicero, Ill. and at Mount Sinai and MacNeal Hospitals. He soon met the love of his life, Lucille Atlas. They were united in marriage on July 3, 1949. The ceremony in Lucille's parents' back yard was lovely, especially with the 103 degree weather. Charlie was especially pleased that his son, Irving joined him in practice in 1978...after all, he needed a vacation after 44 years! Lucille and Charlie enjoyed many wonderful trips around the world throughout their marriage. They enjoyed their home for the past 42 years, where they raised their family and spent their retirement. Charlie passed his love of golf on to two of his children and his love of life, learning, and humanity to all those who knew him. While he will be sorely missed, he truly had a wonderful life and was an inspiration to all who were privileged to know him. May his memory be for a blessing! Charlie and Lucille were blessed with four children, Irving (Catherine), Eileen (Marvin Siegel), Theodore (Ting-Ting), and Joshua (Rebecca); and seven grandchildren, Noah, Juliana, Rachel, and Sarah Bloom and Andrew, Eric, and Zachary Siegel. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Louis; his sisters, Minnie and Evelyn; and by numerous friends and colleagues. Funeral services will be held at Westlawn Cemetery Chapel, 7801 West Montrose, Norridge, Ill., on Sunday, December 17, 2006, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Jewish United Fund or to West Suburban Temple Har Zion are suggested. LLOYD MANDEL LEVAYAH FUNERALS 4750 Dempster Skokie, Ill. 847-679-3939 www.levayah.com