Obituary
Robert Bloom of Highland Park, Illinois found eternal peace on Wednesday, August 9th 2023 at age 87 after a two-month illness. He is survived by Nancy Bloom, his loving wife of 63 years, his sister Dorothy Little, brother-in-law Craigh Schwartz, sisters-in-law Rosalyn Schwartz and Cheryl Bloom, his four children Michael Bloom (Erin), Vicki Shaffer (Paul Matzerath), Russell Bloom (Terri Mason) and David Bloom (Sarah), his grandchildren Jimi Shaffer, Matthew Bloom (Danielle), Kennedy Bloom (Trevor Unger), Allison Bloom, Naomi Bloom (Patrick Hohman), Joseph Bloom (Victoria Sills) and Jacob Bloom (Olivia Caruso), great-grandson Dominic Shaffer, nieces Carolyn Coker, Harper Warren, and Harlow Bloom and nephews Todd Bloom, Robert Atchison, Daniel Atchison, Sydney Warren, Tyler Atchison, and Hawk Bloom, and many cousins. He was preceded in passing by his parents Sydney and Irma Bloom, his brother Lawrence Bloom, his brother-in-law William Little and his nephew Scott Bloom. Bob's two great life passions were for his family and for the children he helped in his 60-year professional career. Dr. Bloom served as Executive Director of Jewish Children's Bureau (JCB) of Chicago and the successor agency Chicago Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS). He also served as Director of Residential Treatment at Bellefaire JCB in Northeast Ohio. Dr. Bloom was the Chairman of Special Education at The College of William and Mary and a professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He consulted to a wide range of child welfare agencies across the United States, Ukraine, and Israel. Dr. Bloom was appointed by 4 separate governors to the Illinois Community and Residential Services Agency. President Carter appointed Dr. Bloom as a consultant to the White House Conference on Families. Dr. Bloom was honored by the Illinois State Assembly in 2009 for his lifetime of service to the State. Dr. Bloom published numerous scholarly works, many of which are still foundational to the education of professionals in the field. Dr. Bloom held a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Chicago, a Master's of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota from whom he received a Distinguished Alumni Award. He also completed specialized training courses at Columbia and Harvard Universities. Dr. Bloom's work reverberates throughout the community and his impact will be felt for generations to come. Chapel service 2:30 PM Friday, August 11th, at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Chicago JCFS, Chicago JUF, JCC of Minnesota or a charity of your choice that serves children and families. To leave condolences and for information, including link to view service: www.shalommemorial.org or 847-255-3520