Obituary of Benjamin A. Blum Jr.

Benjamin A. Blum, 80, of Lafayette NY passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Monday, December 10, 2018. He was born in Syracuse, NY and was a life-time resident of Lafayette. For many years he portrayed Uncle Sam at the LaFayette Apple Festival. Benny worked many years as a heavy equipment operator and was a dynamite technician. He owned and raced horses as a hobby at Vernon Downs. His lifelong passion was working on the farm, raising cattle and spending time with his grandkids.    

He was predeceased by his wife, Carol L. Blum; his mother, Ruth Cameron and father, Benjamin Blum; brother, Russell Blum; son, William Blum; and son in law, Robert Groth.

He is survived by his children, Jodi Brockway (Joe) of Lafayette, NY, David Blum Sr. (Leigh) of Georgia, Donell Groth of LaFayette, NY, David Gondeck of LaFayette, NY, Linda McLean (David) of LaFayette, NY, Karen Garm of Kirkville, NY, Kim Blanchard (Matthew) of Kirkville, NY, Richard Gondeck (Jamie) of Kirkville, and Bruce Gondeck (Terri) of Bridgeport, NY; brothers, Jack Blum (Ellen) of LaFayette, NY, Bob Blum (Mary Lou) of Denver, Colorado; Gail Russo, best friend and companion of many years; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Family and friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Lafayette Alliance Church, 6069 US Route 20, LaFayette, NY 13084, with a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. in the church. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Benjamin’s name may be made to the LaFayette Alliance Church.