GERALD BLUM

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