Celebrating the life of
Frederick Henry Blum, Jr.
December 30, 1919 - July 10, 2011
Fredrick H. Blum, Jr., 91, died Sunday, July 10.
He was born in Dumont, NJ. to Lilla F. White and Frederick H. Blum, Sr. He received an associate degree from Bergen Junior College and received a certificate from the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics now Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II and was stationed in a radar unit outside of Beijing, China. Benefiting from the GI bill, he graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut with a degree in math. Mr. Blum taught math for four years at East Rome HS, GA, where he also coached basketball. While there, he was elected "Groovy Teacher of the Year" and "Citizen of the Year."
Mr. Blum worked as an aerospace engineer in hydraulics and mechanical systems for most of his life. He was employed by Chance Vought working on the Corsair fighter}, Sikorsky working on many ships including the "Jolly Green Giant", Vertol-Boeing Chinook and Sea Knight, Lockheed C-5 and Gulfstream G2 through G5. He retired from Gulfstream in 1998 at the age of 78.
At the age of 65, he began karate training with the West Savannah Karate Club of the Amateur Athletic Union. He supported the West Savannah Karate Club in karate instruction, held at the St. Anthony later Resurrection of Our Lord parish hall, and in competition for youth and adults. When he was 72, he became a black belt. He was the oldest black belt karate competitor in the Amateur Athletic Union and received many awards at state, regional and national levels. The Richmond Times-Dispatch covered his karate accomplishments in an article titled, "Still kicking at 80." He continued to compete in kata and kobudo until he was 87.
Mr. Blum served as an usher and as a council member at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Holy Name Society. He belonged to the Gulfstream Management Association and to the Gulfstream Retiree Club.
His parents, his only sister Dorothy B. Williams and nephew Kevin Williams preceded him in death.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Helen Orzechowski Blum, daughter Katherine Russell, and David Russell son-in-law; nephews and nieces: Randall Williams and Valerie, Steven Williams and Suzanne, and niece Joan Williams; great nephews and nieces: Aren Williams and Alexa, Kristina and Shay Harold, Summer and Cristian Escalante and Andersen Williams; Kendra and Sam Henry and Autumn and John Miall; 3 great-great nieces and 3 great-great nephews; his God-daughter Theresa Kay Reese Fisher; confirmees Linhson Do and Tiaria Daniels.
A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church on July 18 at 11 AM. There will be visiting hours at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 from 4 PM to 6 PM; Rosary Sunday at 6 PM. Entombment will follow in Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers please donate to "Savannah State University," for: Annual Fund; send to: SSU, Box 20439, Savannah, GA 31404.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
Dearest Family, I'm truly sorry that I didn't call sooner. I had no idea Mr.Blum had passed away. He was a masterpiece to all the people that he interacted with. He left an impression that water could not wash away. I shall never forget him. May the Good Lord Be with you always. Love Sandy M. Blue
- Sandra Blue, Brunswick, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your in your time of loss.
- Bill & Darlene Lewis, Bloomingdale, GA
Dear Mrs. Helen and Ms. Katherine, we are so sorry for the loss of Mr. Fred. He was such a sweet and wonderful person always so kind. We are so sorry he passed away. May God bless you both and comfort you both during this time of sadness. You are both in our prayers. God bless you both. Much love always, Marie, Denise, & Tony
- Marie, Denise and Tony, Savannah, GA
My heart goes out to you and your Mom. May your memories bring the feelings of love and joy to have known and shared a life with such a special human being. Peace be with you as you journey on. Love, Noel Szychowski
- Noel Szychowski, Savannah, GA
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.'- I Thessalonians 4:14, NAB Ms. Kathy and Mrs. Blum, The entire Alick/Brown family mourn with you in the loss of Mr. Blum. He was a great and patient man and he will be missed. Call on us if you need anything. Our prayers are with you.
- Alejandro Alick III, Savannah, GA
I would like to express my deepest condolences for the Blums. I would also like to thank the Blums for all of which they have done for me and my family throughout the years. The Blums took me on my first trip to Texas where I participated in my first Karate Torment AAU. Mr. Blum, aka “Dad” gave me encouraging words to go out there and do my best. Also, I have grand memories of attending Gulfstream Picnics with the Blum’s over the years . Cordially, Kayla Daniels
- Kayla Daniels, Savannah, GA
Mr.Blum and the Blum family have been there for many important events in my life. Not only for my confirmation. My first Communion, Confirmation and High School Graduation to name a few and many others.I know that Mr.Blum has been a great influence in molding me to be the individual that I am today. He will truly be missed. The Blum family remains in my thoughts and prayers. I am deeply thankful to have known such a wonderful person. Sincerely With Love, Tiaria Daniels
- Tiaria Daniels, Savannah, GA
Uncle Bud was an important part of my family and very well loved. It meant so much to me and to all my children for him, Aunt Helen and Kathie to attend many major and minor life events--baptisms, confirmations, graduations, dance recitals, weddings, the beach, the fort, dinners, holidays, etc. What great memories we have to treasure. It was certainly a privilege to share these experiences with him. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Aunt Helen and Kathie. Much love from Joanie
- Joan Williams, Orlando, FL
My condolences to Helen and her family. Fred was one of the nicest gentleman I ever knew and the epitome of 'The Greatest Generation'. I truly cherished his friendship.
- Jim Lorenz, Bluffton, SC
Helen, I have such happy memories of Fred during our years together at East Rome HS. I have thought of the two of you so often. My thoughts are with you and your family. Anne Culpepper
- Anne Culpepper, Rome, GA
Helen and family, I appreciate all of the support you and Fred gave to our management association. He will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
- Debra Russell, Savannah, GA
My condolences,
- Abbas Tabar, Savannah, GA
Katherine and Mrs. Blum, I cherish the fond memories I have with Mr. Blum. Karate was the thread that connected us all. Many hot summers, we would spend time at St. Anthony's hall practicing katas and bo forms. Mr. Blum was always skilled with a bo. Our road trips to state and regional tournaments were always an adventure. My fondest memory was when Mr. Blum stood behind me at my confirmation. I was so nervous about the Holy Spirit, but his gentle and strong hands calmed me. I will miss him greatly. With all our love and prayers, Linhson, Quyen, Linh, and Tuyet
- Linhson Do, Albuquerque, NM
Dearest Family, I'm truly sorry that I didn't call sooner. I had no idea Mr.Blum had passed away. He was a masterpiece to all the people that he interacted with. He left an impression that water could not wash away. I shall never forget him. May the Good Lord Be with you always. Love Sandy M. Blue
- Sandra Blue, Brunswick, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your in your time of loss.
- Bill & Darlene Lewis, Bloomingdale, GA
Dear Mrs. Helen and Ms. Katherine, we are so sorry for the loss of Mr. Fred. He was such a sweet and wonderful person always so kind. We are so sorry he passed away. May God bless you both and comfort you both during this time of sadness. You are both in our prayers. God bless you both. Much love always, Marie, Denise, & Tony
- Marie, Denise and Tony, Savannah, GA
My heart goes out to you and your Mom. May your memories bring the feelings of love and joy to have known and shared a life with such a special human being. Peace be with you as you journey on. Love, Noel Szychowski
- Noel Szychowski, Savannah, GA
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.'- I Thessalonians 4:14, NAB Ms. Kathy and Mrs. Blum, The entire Alick/Brown family mourn with you in the loss of Mr. Blum. He was a great and patient man and he will be missed. Call on us if you need anything. Our prayers are with you.
- Alejandro Alick III, Savannah, GA
I would like to express my deepest condolences for the Blums. I would also like to thank the Blums for all of which they have done for me and my family throughout the years. The Blums took me on my first trip to Texas where I participated in my first Karate Torment AAU. Mr. Blum, aka “Dad” gave me encouraging words to go out there and do my best. Also, I have grand memories of attending Gulfstream Picnics with the Blum’s over the years . Cordially, Kayla Daniels
- Kayla Daniels, Savannah, GA
Mr.Blum and the Blum family have been there for many important events in my life. Not only for my confirmation. My first Communion, Confirmation and High School Graduation to name a few and many others.I know that Mr.Blum has been a great influence in molding me to be the individual that I am today. He will truly be missed. The Blum family remains in my thoughts and prayers. I am deeply thankful to have known such a wonderful person. Sincerely With Love, Tiaria Daniels
- Tiaria Daniels, Savannah, GA
Uncle Bud was an important part of my family and very well loved. It meant so much to me and to all my children for him, Aunt Helen and Kathie to attend many major and minor life events--baptisms, confirmations, graduations, dance recitals, weddings, the beach, the fort, dinners, holidays, etc. What great memories we have to treasure. It was certainly a privilege to share these experiences with him. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Aunt Helen and Kathie. Much love from Joanie
- Joan Williams, Orlando, FL
My condolences to Helen and her family. Fred was one of the nicest gentleman I ever knew and the epitome of 'The Greatest Generation'. I truly cherished his friendship.
- Jim Lorenz, Bluffton, SC
Helen, I have such happy memories of Fred during our years together at East Rome HS. I have thought of the two of you so often. My thoughts are with you and your family. Anne Culpepper
- Anne Culpepper, Rome, GA
Helen and family, I appreciate all of the support you and Fred gave to our management association. He will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
- Debra Russell, Savannah, GA
My condolences,
- Abbas Tabar, Savannah, GA
Katherine and Mrs. Blum, I cherish the fond memories I have with Mr. Blum. Karate was the thread that connected us all. Many hot summers, we would spend time at St. Anthony's hall practicing katas and bo forms. Mr. Blum was always skilled with a bo. Our road trips to state and regional tournaments were always an adventure. My fondest memory was when Mr. Blum stood behind me at my confirmation. I was so nervous about the Holy Spirit, but his gentle and strong hands calmed me. I will miss him greatly. With all our love and prayers, Linhson, Quyen, Linh, and Tuyet
- Linhson Do, Albuquerque, NM
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
