Howard A. Merblum, 90, of West Hartford, passed away this Wednesday, March 5, 2008. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth L. Merblum, his son and daughter-in-law, Franklin P. Merblum and Susan H. Merblum of Bloomfield, and his granddaughters Rebecca and Christina Merblum of Cincinnati, OH. He was a World War II veteran, having served overseas in Algeria and Italy as a First Lieutenant in the Signal Corps. A former President of the Hartford Bridge Club, Howard was a distinguished Bridge champion. He and his son Frank were celebrated as an elite pair. Their accomplishments were recently highlighted in both The Hartford Courant and The New York Times. Always a student of the game, he was a constant fixture at the Bridge Cub. He also had a great love of the Fine Arts. His life was filled with art, opera, classical music and literature. Above all, Howard was dedicated to his family and will be forever cherished as a husband, father and grandfather. A service celebrating his life will be held Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery, Pleasant St., West Hartford. Family and friends are invited to join his family for lunch following the service at the Merblum home, 226 Ballard Dr., West Hartford 06119. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hartford Bridge Club, 19a Andover Dr., West Hartford 06110, or to a charity of the donor?s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Howard with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.