DELRAY BEACH — Peter Blum, a longtime resident of Palm Beach County, businessman and philanthropist, died Jan. 23, his beloved wife, Mary, by his side. He was 93.Mr. Blum, a man dedicated to his family, faith and the welfare of all, was born Aug. 14, 1929, in Peoria, Illinois, to Peter Blum and Ruth (Sill) Blum. On May 8, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Maureen “Teena” Forbes. During their honeymoon in Florida, the seeds were planted for their eventual move in 1962.
Upon arriving in Boca Raton, Mr. Blum bought property on Federal Highway and opened a furniture and design studio, Blums of Boca.
While establishing his business, Mr. Blum became involved in the civic arena of Boca Raton. His many accomplishments include: founding member of the Boca Raton High School Booster Club, planning and zoning board member of Boca Raton, president of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, member of the Boca Raton Community Hospital board where he served for 20 years (nine as chairman), founder of Sunrise Kiwanis Club of Boca Raton, member of the Bethesda Hospital Foundation board, member of the Foundation Board of FAU, member of the Manalapan Town Commission for more than 30 years, including multiple terms as mayor and vice mayor, named Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, Boca Raton Man of the Year, and Industrialist of the Year. He also established scholarships at St. John Paul II Academy, Bethesda Hospital, YMCA and Northwood University.
His childhood in Peoria led to his proudest accomplishment, when in 1970 he and other Boca Raton civic leaders started the planning process for the Boca Raton YMCA (now known as the Peter Blum Family YMCA). Because of his relationships with business leaders, he was a master fundraiser. Nothing brought Mr. Blum more pride and joy than walking into the Boca Raton YMCA, just as he did as a young boy at the Peoria Y. He loved reading to the toddlers with his beloved rescue dog, Lady, by his side.
In 2013, Mr. Blum married his best friend, Mary Morrell. They loved living in Delray Dunes, visiting with family, laughing and living life to its fullest. They were a true match, and their deep love was felt by everyone they encountered.
Mr. Blum enjoyed traveling, playing tennis, watching and singing along to Broadway musicals, reading, and watching Notre Dame football.
Mr. Blum is predeceased by wife Teena, his sons Peter and Larry, and his sister and brother-in-law Dodie and Bill Harris. He is survived by his son Randy (Debby), stepdaughter Caitlin (Brian) Moran, granddaughter Marlena (Rob) Pernett, and grandchildren Peter and Michael Blum and Lincoln and Ainsley Moran, as well as eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will take place at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, 643 NE Fourth Ave., Boynton Beach, on Feb. 6 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the YMCA, 6631 Palmetto Circle S., Boca Raton, FL 33433, or Bethesda Hospital Foundation, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435.
— Obituary submitted by the family
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