Amy Levi, daughter of Tommy Blum, explained that it was her father’s death last month that has prompted the liquidation sale underway at the family furniture store in Indian Orchard.
“It was a difficult decision to close the store,” said Amy, now living in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Her roots are in Honesdale, and Blum Furniture has been a landmark business in Wayne County for over 50 years. Her grandfather, Major Blum, started the business on Park Street, next to Hotel Wayne.
The liquidation sale is expected to last through the winter. The building is also for sale. She said of her father, “He was the heart and soul of the store., He was the store.”
Tommy Blum had just had heart surgery in August 2008, just over six weeks before he was in a major car crash on his way to work. His daughter said he was in rehabilitation and was doing well, when he caught pneumonia, and died November 19. He was 71.
Tommy Blum and his first wife, Linda, raised two daughters, Amy and Stephanie, and have five grandchildren. Tommy’s second wife Syma died four years ago.
“I am really grateful to the community who befriended him and supported him,” Amy said of her father. “He was charitable; not a mean bone in his body.” She expressed appreciation for all the cards, good wishes and prayers.
There are four employees at Blum’s. Marie, a family friend and employee, shared a statement on behalf of the workers: “Tommy Blum was a family man and businessmen. He was one of a kind. He was smart and funny. He always had everyone laughing, but most of all he touched so many people’s lives in so many ways, and he never even realized how special it was to people because it was always from his heart. God bless you Tommy. You will never be forgotten.”
