Simon Robert Bloom

Simon Robert “Bob” Bloom passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2026, after a long and difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born and raised in Jersey City, Bob was the beloved son of Joseph and Faye Bloom and cherished brother of Marsha Levine. His life was truly a New Jersey success story — built on vision, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Bob graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. While engineering shaped his disciplined mind, his true passion was design. With entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision, he turned his dream into reality by founding Elite Personalized Creations in the basement of his mother’s home in West New York, NJ. There, he began creating gold-stamped and hand-printed personalized matches, napkins, and place cards — eventually expanding into a full personalized stationery line.

In 1961, Bob’s creations became the sensation of the National Stationery Show at the New York Coliseum, paving the way for him to open his first storefront print shop in Teaneck, NJ with six employees. As demand for his innovative designs rapidly increased, the business moved to larger quarters in Cliffside Park, where he expanded his staff to fifteen.

A true pioneer in his industry — Bob was the first to introduce “fashion colors” to what had traditionally been a white-and-ivory world of stationery. His bold vision transformed the marketplace and set new standards for creativity and style.

By 1972, a large conglomerate purchased Elite Personalized Creations, retaining Bob as Head of Design along with an executive leadership role. After seven years of corporate responsibilities, he longed to return to independent creativity.

In 1979, Bob partnered with his devoted employee of 14 years, Hiam Tobias, and together founded Encore Studios in Edgewater, NJ. Employing only local residents, Encore Studios became one of the country’s leading design houses, renowned for meticulously crafted, innovative, high-end personalized stationery, invitations, and announcements. For more than 30 years, the company employed over 100 people — including second- and third-generation employees — a testament not only to its success, but to Bob’s and Hiam’s loyalty and commitment to community.

Family was everything to Bob. He married the love of his life, Leona Klosner in 1958. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Lori, Jeff, and Andrea. Their 67 years of marriage were a partnership filled with devotion, adventure, and deep love.

Affectionately known as “Mr. Sunshine,” as family joked that gloomy weather seemed to clear whenever he came to town. He was also lauded as “Mr. Positive,” for always seeing possibility where others saw obstacles. Bob often said, “Everything happens for the best.” and “most” of the time he was right. He was the person you could always count on in times of need — steady, generous, and unwavering in his support.

Endlessly curious and youthful at heart, Bob was often found stargazing, searching the sky for airplanes — and the occasional UFO. He embraced life fully. Outside of his professional achievements, he loved flying private planes, sailing the Long Island Sound, sunbathing on the beach after boating the bay of Long Beach Island, traveling the world with Leona, dancing, playing dominoes with family and friends, cheering on the N.Y. Giants, and tackling home improvement projects. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Leona Bloom; his children and their spouses, Lori Bloom Futterman and Jim Futterman, Jeffrey Bloom and Susan Bloom, and Andrea Bloom Gillett and Dan Gillett; his cherished grandchildren, Andrew Futterman, Mckenzi Futterman, Jenna Bloom, Adam Gillett, and Ian Gillett; and his great-grandchildren, Ellie Futterman and Hudson Futterman.

His legacy lives on in the industry he transformed, the businesses he built, the many people he mentored, and most importantly, the family who adored him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, for those that feel moved to do so, donations in Bob’s name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Parkinson’s Research Foundation, or Parkinson’s Voice Project would be very meaningful.

A 12:30 PM Chapel Funeral Service will be held on Sunday February 22, 2026 at Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors, located at 402 Park Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601,

Interment will follow at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave,Paramus, NJ 07652

Friends may begin to arrive at 11:45 AM for ample time to pay respects to the family. Parking lot is located opposite the funeral home on Park Street,