Richard (Dick) Stephen Blum

Blum, Richard (Dick) Stephen

After a brief illness, Richard Blum, preferring to be called Dick, 86, of West Hartford, peacefully passed away Sunday July 11, 2021 at UConn’s John Dempsey Hospital.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife Kendall (Kendy) Jackson Blum and a cousin, Sidney Birnbaum. He was predeceased by his parents Louis and Ida Blum. Dick also leaves behind many friends at the Jewish Association for Community Living (JCL). The employees of JCL have been privileged to work with Dick and Kendy for over 23 years. He has had many special friends at JCL, too many to list, but all who loved and respected him. He is dearly missed and we are all better people for having known and worked with him.

Dick could light up a room. He never let his disability get in the way of being funny, entertaining, inquisitive, contemplative, empathetic, charitable and loyal. He had a way of making you feel important and that your relationship with him was special. He was one of the nice guys.

Dick grew up in New Britain and worked in his family’s store, Birnbaums, many decades ago. He also work at UCONN Health Center for fifteen years in their public information office He was proud of his Jewish heritage and religion and was accepting of all. Dick and Kendy enjoyed traveling. As Kendy says, “we completed our bucket list”. Dick and Kendy enjoyed being part of any gathering of family and friends. Dick had boundless energy. He lived every day to the fullest of his potential.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday July 13, 2021 at 11:00 at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford. Rabbi Yitzchok Adler, Beth David Synagogue will officiate. Internment will immediately follow at Beth Alom Cemetery, 48 Allen Street, New Britain, CT.

In lieu of flowers, Kendy asks that memorial contributions be made to Jewish Association for Community Living, 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 109, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of CT, 659 Tower Avenue, Hartford, CT 06112 or a charity of your choice. For further information please visit www.weinsteinmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, Kendy asks that memorial contributions be made to Jewish Association for Community Living, 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 109, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of CT, 659 Tower Avenue, Hartford, CT 06112 or a charity of your choice. For further information please visit www.weinsteinmortuary.com.