Theodore Ferrin Bloom's Obituary
Theodore Ferrin Bloom (Ted) August 3, 1921-March 25, 2014 Ted is a native Tucsonan who was born at the historic Stork's Nest to his parents Clara and David Bloom. He was a 2nd generation Tucsonan and third born son in a family of five. Ted was a member of a Pioneer Family. His grandparents came to Tucson by stagecoach in 1871. Ted's father who came to this country from Russia arrived by train to Tucson in 1905. His father David and friend Chris Myers founded a men's clothing store in 1906. Dave became the sole owner of the business in 1935 and renamed the store Dave Bloom & Sons. The store was in business for over 80 years. In 1937 to 1943, Ted worked part time in the store. Ted graduated from Tucson High School in 1939. He attended the U of A from 1940 to 1943 when he was drafted into the Army for WWII. During his college days he was a member of the advanced Cavalry ROTC. He served overseas in the South Pacific from 1943-1945 where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After WWII he worked full time as the Secretary/Treasurer and Personnel Manager at Dave Bloom & Sons, starting in 1948 until the store closed in 1991. During the store's business years Ted and his brothers Herb and Dave rode every year in the Rodeo Parade dressed in tails and top hats upon a horse driven buggy. They always wore western and even participated in the town's beard growing contests. He was very proud of his heritage and believed very strongly in giving back to the community. Ted served in many community projects. He was a founding member of the Tucson Trade Bureau in 1954. Ted served on various committees throughout the years, the Armed Forces Community and the Mexican Goodwill Committee to list a few. He was Chairman of the Check Warning Network and Park and Shop. Ted was president of the Bureau from 1963-1964. He remained active in this organization for his entire working career. Ted was a founding member and past president of T.O.C.E.R (Tucson On Call Employment Reserve). He was active for 20 years in D.E.C.A (Distributive Education Clubs of America) which helped young people learn the value of working in a business. He was the first Chairman of the Advisory Board of the U of A College of Nursing in 1985. Ted also served on the National Board of The Men's Retail Association. He was Program Chairman and Club Service Officer of the Rincon Rotary. Music was an integral part of his life. Ted had a beautiful baritone voice. He sang in the high school and U of A choirs, as well as several community choirs and Temple Emanu-El Choir for many years. He was the founding member and President from 1972-74 of the Tucson Opera Company. Ted sang in the first six operas of the now Arizona Opera Company. Our family also sang up and down the Mt Lemmon road on every trip to our cabin. We had a special list of favorites. Ted played the violin in high school, college and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Ted was married to Sandy, the love of his life and best friend on Thanksgiving Day November 27th 1952. They shared 61 years of marriage. Ted and Sandy were blessed with two children Terry and Edward. Ted is also survived by Terry's husband (Kevin Concannon), Edward's wife (Eleanor Bloom), 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and his sister Elaine Aarons. Ted spoke fluent Spanish and because of this fact he and Sandy were appointed by the then Governor Fannin to serve on the Mexican-American Economic Committee. Later mayor Lou Murphy appointed Ted and Sandy to serve on the first Tucson-Mexico Sister City Program. They toured Guadalajara and Cuidad Obregon as well as Mexico City. He was award the Copper Letter for his outstanding work with Cuidad Obregon. In 1996 the Tucson-Mexico Sister City Program was re-organized. Ted was elected Treasure and Sandy Vice-President of Membership for the next 6 years. Ted was one of the few men elected to join the Angel Charity for Children. His hobbies were playing golf, power walking every morning , singing and going to our family cabin in Mt Lemmon. Growing up he spent many happy summers up in Mt Lemmon. Ted even rode the summer riding horses up to Mt Lemmon from Sabino Canyon and back again after the summer season every year. Above all Ted dearly loved and cherished his family. He always had a big smile for everyone and gave lots of hugs and kisses. Teddy Pappa We love you! We honor you! We will miss you! Services will be held on Sunday March 30th at 1:30pm at Evergreen Mortuary 3015 N. Oracle Road. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Ted Bloom and James Concannon Memorial Nursing Scholarship Endowment. Please send your donations to: University of Arizona Foundation/College of Nursing Box 210203 -Tucson, AZ 85721-0203
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