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BLOOM -- MAURICE M. JR. Ret. Col. Maurice M. Bloom, Jr., a resident of Albuquerque, passed away Monday, October 16, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlotte Fugate Miller Bloom; son, Allan Maurice Bloom and wife, Leslye of Blacksburg, VA; daughter, Linda Susan Bloom; and granddaughter, Kathryn Elizabeth Burn of Albuquerque; daughter, Phyllis Bloom Stice and husband, Bob; and granddaughter, Mary Kathleen Kierst of Albuquerque. Col. Bloom was born January 29, 1921 in St. Louis, MO to Maurice M. and Beatrice Roberts Bloom. In attendance at this birth were his grandmother, Helen Litherland Roberts and two great-aunts. Colonel Bloom, known better as J.R. served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a lead navigator in the 756th Bomb Squadron, 459th Bomb Group, 304th Wing, 15th Air Force in Italy. His plane was shot down on his 51st mission over Austria in 1944. He spent ten and a half months as a Prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III and Stalag VIIA. When he was liberated in 1945, he returned home to Saegertown, PA to his wife and young son where he entered the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was called up to active duty again in 1950. J.R. did two tours of duty in Germany. He loved to travel and while in Europe he traveled extensively with Char and their three children. J.R. also did a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia with the U.S. Army MAAG where he was named Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics, and also served at the Pentagon in the Requirements Division. J.R. came to Albuquerque when he was assigned to the Weapons Test Division Headquarters at Sandia Base. J.R. finally retired from the Service in 1969. J.R. was awarded several medals for his outstanding service to the United States Armed Forces including the Prisoner of War Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Department of Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal. When he retired, the G.I. Bill sent him to the University of New Mexico where he majored in History of the Southwest and minored in Anthropology and received his teaching certificate. In 1973, he joined the staff of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology as a volunteer. J.R. and Char were integral members of the Maxwell Museum Association for many years. As a result of his experience there, J.R. was able to start a new career in 1984 as an appraiser of Southwestern Indian art. He will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2006, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in J.R.'s memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by French Mortuary, Inc. 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Thu October 19, 2006