Richard J Blum

Richard "Rich" Joseph Blum, 71, returned to his heavenly home on November 26, 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Rich was born to the late Arthur and Hermina Blum, in Brooklyn, NY on February 26, 1949. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a (volunteer) fireman, taking his first job at Northrop Grumman, working on the lunar module. He carried out the remainder of his career with the telephone company, holding multiple positions and ultimately taking him and his family from New York to Colorado.

Rich was blessed with a loyal and loving family. He married his best friend and rock, Ellen Anne-Marie Mahlke, on August 29, 1971 in Hicksville, New York. He and his wife raised their two daughters with patience and discipline. He taught them life skills and instilled the value of a strong work ethic. Him and his wife often took the family on family trips and spent weekends together boating and camping. He enjoyed restoring cars and participating / attending Good Guys car shows. His other talents included making pottery during his years at Palm Creek in Casa Grande.

He was a servant to all - his family, friends, community and church. He immersed himself into giving back at Crossroads Church, acting as an usher, hosted kinship, served at the Crusade and at every outreach, participated in a men’s group and prepared communion for services.

Rich was a kind and loving man at heart. He was kind and soft-spoken, always taking the time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He showered his loved ones with his art of cooking - taking meticulous effort to prepare and present meals, making those who received this gift of his feel warm, loved and special. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator, but know his absence has left a gaping hole in their family.

Rich is survived by his wife, Ellen; his daughters Jenifer (Mike) Ashcraft and Allison Blum (Jeremy Bates); his grandchildren, Kyle Rhodes, Curtis (Jaisyn) Ashcraft, Colton Ashcraft, Masin Williams; and his sister, Marian (Allan) Abraham. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Rich has chosen to be cremated and a small celebration of life will be held for family on Saturday, November 28, 2020.

The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted.