Peter Ronald Blum, 86, of West Hartford, CT, recently moved to Bloomfield, CT, died at home surrounded by his family on August 2, 2023. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on March 2, 1937 to Ida (Kagan) Blum and Harold S. Blum. He was a graduate of Mt. Hermon School (Northfield – Mt. Herman, Massachusetts, Class of 1955), Tufts University (Class of 1959) and Boston College School of Law (1963). Early in his professional law career, he was an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Hartford from 1965 to 1968, ran as a candidate for Hartford City Council in 1967, and served on the Hartford Commission on the City Plan 1969 and 1970. A self-employed attorney, he became a labor arbitrator and was involved in many arbitrations and mediations in the eastern United States in the public and private sectors. He was appointed to several positions in Connecticut state government, including Chairman of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement Commission from 1988–2015, and appointed to several terms on the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration between 1971-2016 as Member, Deputy Chairman, Acting Chairman and Chairman. A curious, intelligent, energetic man of many interests, he began collecting art in 1965 with his wife Ronnie (Cooper) Blum, whom he married in 1963. His interest in collecting became a passion, and he spent time in galleries and art auctions specializing in American Art of the 20th century, learning from art dealers, artists and through books. Later, his knowledge and passion for art led him to buy and sell art as an art dealer. Collecting art led Peter and Ronnie to meet and become friends with many other collectors, artists and museum curators. Peter was a devoted and loving husband, the most wonderful father and grandfather, and a loyal friend and mentor to many. He had a great sense of humor and was a loving and generous person. He was proud of his two daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer, and his grandsons, Alexander and Zachary. He is survived by his wife Ronnie and would have celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with her next week. He is also survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Blum) Seto and Jennifer Blum, grandsons, Alexander D. Seto and Zachary H. Seto, brother Dr. Richard S. Blum and his wife Sarah, son-in-law Justin Seto, sister-in-law Bobbie Glass and her husband George C. Glass III and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT with Rabbi Michael Pincus officiating. Internment will follow in Beth Israel Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon, CT. A memorial period will be observed Sunday following the funeral, and Monday August 7 and Tuesday, August 8 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at his former home at 21 Fulton Place, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anti-Defamation League, adl.org, North Shore Animal League, animal league.org, Trina & Friends K9 Rescue, P.O. Box 315, New Rochelle, NY 10804, trinafriendsk9rescue@gmail.com or to a charity of the donor’s choice.