Martin Joseph Bloom
Martin Joseph Bloom — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and pillar amongst extended family, friends, community, and country — passed peacefully on August 31, 2023. He was 93 years old. Martin leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories that will forever remain etched in our hearts.
Martin was born in 1930 to Arthur and Rose Bloom in Spokane, WA, and, from a young age, his curiosity and boundless energy were evident to all who knew him. Martin’s insatiable quest for knowledge led him on a lifelong journey of discovery and personal growth. He graduated from high school early and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis when he was 20 years old.
After university, he served in the United States Navy, stationed in San Diego, then moved back to the Midwest and began his career in architecture and building. In 1972, he married the love of his life, Carolyn J. (Nicholson) Bloom, embarking on a journey over 50 years. Their love story is one for the ages, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and unwavering support for each other. They lived in homes that they designed and built in St. Louis, MO; Tiburon, CA; Miami, FL; and Los Angeles, CA. They traveled to all corners of the world with family and friends, with St. Barts as their most beloved destination together.
Through the joys and challenges of their lives, Martin and Carolyn’s bond only grew stronger, serving as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of witnessing their devotion.
Martin was an astute real estate and business investor that created wealth and added prosperity to the lives of others. From restaurateur adventures like Jericho Discothéque and Crazy Horse Saloon to founding companies like Park ’n Fly, Inc. and Valley Forge Corporation — he epitomized the ability to make decisions quickly and wisely, and then leave them behind knowing all along that the moment of absolute certainty never arrives. He gave the most from each hour, each day, and each age of his life. Over the years, he frequently found the puzzles more satisfying than their solutions, and the hardest that he solved always earned a “hot-ziggity” and eyes that smiled more than life.
Martin’s calm, gentle, loving smile also stole the show at family gatherings — especially when he was hand-in-hand with Carolyn in front of their five children (Steve, Danny (d. 2011), Keith, Michael, and Julie), 12 grandchildren (Alec, Corinne, Danielle, Nicolas, Max Riley, Isabella, Carlin, Jackson, Addison, O’Reilly, Grace, and Grant), and great-grandchild (Gessa).
One of his most cherished roles was that of the family patriarch. As a father, Martin led by example, showing his children the importance of integrity, kindness, patience, and perseverance. His guidance and unwavering support gave each the skills and tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace. As a grandfather, he shared his stories, wisdom, and the joy of simple pleasures with all of them, leaving an indelible mark on their lives and fostering a sense of belonging that will transcend generations.
Martin was an avid reader, car collector, captain, and pilot. He was a residential and commercial builder extraordinaire on both land and sea. Martin had a natural way of incorporating beauty, wonder, and love in everything he built, and his willingness to share successes with others was among the most priceless of gifts he bestowed upon all who knew him.
As we bid farewell to Martin, we take solace in the fact that his spirit will forever be a part of us. May he rest in peace knowing that a legacy of love, strength, and the power of a life well-lived will comfort the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and all those who were fortunate to know him.
A short memorial service followed by a celebration of Martin’s life will be held on October 21, 2023, in the event room of 10776 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024 beginning at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Playing for Change in Martin’s honor, who always believed in their mission that “Music is the key” (https://playingforchange.org/donate).
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” – Eskimo Proverb.