Obituary of Norbert J Blum

Norbert J. Blum, 91, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023, at the Presbyterian home in New Hartford, NY.

He was born in Dansville, NY on November 21, 1932, to the late Norbert and Ella (O’Heron) Blum. He attended Dansville Schools and after graduation enlisted with the US Navy during the Korean Conflict as a Radar Man. He served in the European theater. During his time in the Navy he created the emblem for the USS Intrepid Air Craft Carrier which is still its current emblem today. After his years in the Navy he returned home and attended the University of Detroit where he received his Architecture Degree. After college he worked for the famous architect Eero Saarinen and was a part of the team that designed and built the St. Louis Arch.

 On August 13, 1960, he married the love of his life Mary Ann Leicht. He went on to start his own architecture firm Norbert J. Blum AIA and designed passive solar systems and energy efficient buildings. In 1987 he went to work for NYS in the Office of General Services as an Architect mainly working on the structural integrity of the marble that adorned the capitol buildings in Albany. He was a true Renaissance man with art, architecture, and religion as the pillars of his life.

When he was not busy with work, Norbert enjoyed camping with his family, which often involved fishing or finding a beautiful place to sit and paint a landscape while his boys ran wild in nature. When his boys were grown, he enjoyed traveling with his wife through Europe and all over the United States.

Norbert will be greatly missed by his sons and their spouses, Andrew and Dianna Blum of Clinton, NY, James and Tara Blum of Manlius, NY, Georgia Blum of Somerset, NJ; four beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Kimberly, Ryan, and Cooper; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Terry Sutfin of WA. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Ann; son, John; brothers, Franz Joseph, Paul, David, Robert, Michael; and a sister Anne VanDurme.

All are invited to call on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 9:30-10:30am at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton following calling hours. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery with his wife.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Norbert’s name to The Country Pantry or Feed Our Vets.