Obituary of Robert Blumberg
Mr. Robert A. "Bob" Blumberg, age 75, of Woodside Ave., passed away on Thursday evening, December 21, 2006 in Albany Medical Center. He was comforted by his entire family at the time of his passing including his wife of 42 years, Ellen. He was born on May 12, 1931 in Rome, son of the late Alexander and Eva Pugh Blumberg. He was raised in Oriskany and graduated from Oriskany High School, "Class of 1949". He joined the United States Navy on January 9, 1951 and served during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Meredith and was honorably discharged on November 26, 1954 holding the rank of Yeoman, Third Class. Bob was employed by the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, achieving admirable success and earning the respect of clients and colleagues alike. He retired in 1991 after 41 years of dedicated and loyal service. Bob truly enjoyed his chosen career and was a credit to his profession. He was active in many local civic affairs and was well known for his participation in many groups and organizations throughout the Little Falls and its surrounding area. He was a former Alderman of Little Falls and chairman of the city's Community Chest campaign. He served on the Board of Public Works and the city police and fire board and was a coach and also past president of the Little Falls Little League. Bob was a committed member of the Herkimer County Republican Committee. Bob joined the Little Falls Elks in 1965 and became active immediately. A devoted and true Elk, he served various chairs and was Exalted Ruler for two consecutive years, 1969-1970 and 1970-1971. He was sworn in on July 18, 1975 as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the Central District's twelve lodges and obtained the position of state vice president of the New York Central District. He belonged to the Little Falls American Legion #31 and the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club. Imbued and inspired with a firm belief in the dignity of work and an equal faith in the potential of every person, Bob devoted a portion of his professional career and talents to helping, and supporting people with disabilities. He served as District Chairman for Cerebral Palsy in 1973. Bob was an avid Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboy fan and also became part owner of the Little Falls Mets until the franchise was sold. He was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved them all and showed it by always wanting to be a part of anything going on in their lives. Bob loved the peace and relaxation of time spent at the family camp on Spruce Lake. He was a very active outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife Ellen; five children: Christine Shepardson and husband Dean of Little Falls, Scott Blumberg and companion Karole Loucks of Little Falls, Loreen Shepardson and husband Jon of Little Falls, Gwen Barron and husband Jeff of Westmoreland, and Ken Blumberg and wife Mary Ellen of Oneida; his cherished grandchildren: Patrick and Gina Shepardson, Dylan, Alexander, Danielle Blumberg, Joshua Keeler, Lauren and Leah Shepardson all of Little Falls and Kelly and Eric Barron of Westmoreland; a great grandson: Trent; a sister in law: Ruth Blumberg and daughter Anne of Clinton; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving are numerous close friends in Little Falls and surrounding areas. He was predeceased by his brother and best friend: John Blumberg. The family extends its gratitude to all those who provided so much comforting care, steadfast dedication, and meaningful compassion to Bob and his family, especially the following: Dr. Tom Huntsman, Craig Lippitt along with the 5th floor nurses at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown and also to the loving and caring nurses at Albany Medical Center. A heartfelt thank you to the Little Falls Ambulance Emergency Medical Technicians and the entire staff of Valley Health Services, Herkimer, especially mentioning Amy and Laura and to all the relatives and friends who offered encouragement and sympathy during this difficult time. The Blumberg family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, on Saturday, December 23, 2006 (today) from 4-8 p.m. Bob's funeral will commence at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve Day, December 24, 2006 from the chapel of the Enea Family Funeral Home, Little Falls, with Chaplain Art Miner of Folts Homes, Herkimer, officiating. Procession will follow to Salisbury Rural Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. Full military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy. Kindly consider memorial offerings to Valley Health Services Development Fund, 690 W. German St., Herkimer or the Little Falls Ambulance Fund c/o Little Falls Fire Department, 659 E. Main St., Little Falls. Envelopes may also be obtained at the funeral parlor. Members of the Little Falls Elk's Lodge #42 will conduct their service at the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening and the Little Falls American Legion Post #31 will hold their service at 5:15 p.m. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.