Peter Blum, a long-time resident of Palm Beach County, businessman, and philanthropist died peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023 with his beloved wife, Mary, by his side.
Peter, a man dedicated to his family, faith, and the welfare of all that was born on August 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, Peter bought property on Federal Highway and opened a premier furniture and design studio, Blums of Boca.
While establishing his successful business, Peter became involved in the civic arena of Boca Raton. His many accomplishments include, but are certainly not limited to: 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 twenty 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 Committee for twenty-four years, Mayor and Vice Mayor of Manalapan, named Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by NSFRE, Boca Raton Man of the Year, and Industrialist of the Year, and established scholarships at St. John Paul II Academy, Bethesda Hospital, YMCA, and Northwood University.
His childhood in Peoria led to his proudest accomplishment in 1970 when 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 Peter more pride and joy than walking into the Boca Raton YMCA, just as he did as a young boy in Peoria. He loved reading to the toddlers with his beloved rescue dog, Lady, by his side.
In 2013, Peter 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. His entire life, Peter enjoyed traveling, playing tennis, watching and singing along to Broadway musicals, reading, and watching Notre Dame football.
Peter 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’s Roman Catholic Church, 643 NE Fourth Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Y (YMCA), 6631 Palmetto Circle South, Boca Raton, FL 33433, or Bethesda Hospital Foundation, 2815 South Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.
Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, (www.LorneandSons.com), Delray Beach in charge of arrangements.
Posted online on January 27, 2023
Published in The Palm Beach Post
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