Harold Sidney Blaum

Harold (Hal) Sidney Blaum, age 91, passed away peacefully with family by his side to his heavenly reward in the early morning of April 20, 2015 after living an extraordinary and accomplished life. Born in 1923 at his childhood home on 1818 Jackson Avenue, he was the youngest child of the late August J. Blaum Sr. and the late Bertha Maus Blaum . He is survived by his brother Alvin and is the brother of the late August Jr, and the late Bertha Winstell, and the half-brother of the late Teresa and the late Valentine Blaum. He is also survived by his loving wife, Helen Englert Blaum and 4 children Judy Blaum Harris, Harold (Rocky) Blaum, Jr., Melanie Blaum Thompson, and Bruce Blaum, 9 grandchildren, namely Rachel, Shane, Kristin, Jason, Michael, Ryan, Blake, Preston, and Christopher, and 10 great grandchildren.

Attending Redemptorist Grade School, Hal first demonstrated his great passion and abilities for the game of baseball. As captain of the indoor team, he often slept with his glove and ball at his side. He then attended Fortier High School where he was a three-letter man, active in football, basketball and baseball. At Fortier he played a total of six years on the Prep, Jr. Varsity, and Varsity baseball teams, playing four years of American legion ball (1937-40) and in 1940 led their Jax Brewers championship team with .667 average and was chosen as an outfielder on their all star legion team. During the 1941 state championship game, his tying home run over the left field fence in front of 5,000 at Pelican Stadium caught the eye of a major league scout and he subsequently was offered a pro contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1942, he reported to spring training with the Cardinals, but left for the season after his father’s death. In 1943, his contact was transferred to the Houston Buffs, but his progress was stifled by a serious arm injury. He was sent home for treatment and was then inducted into the Army. In the Army, he was sent to camp Beauregard and Camp Ellis, Il, where he played against other Army camp teams and semi-pro clubs. His Army service provided sports entertainment for the troops, but Hal also performed duties in clerical, motor pool, dentistry, and as a guard over the German Africa Corps POW’s. In 1945, he was discharged from the Army and requested a release from his Cardinals contract.

Hal went to Hollywood for a while and was given a screen test by Paramount-20th Century Fox. He was granted a scholarship to the Pasadena Playhouse, did some modeling, and had a part in the movie “New Orleans Uncensored.” But Hal was homesick for New Orleans. From 1945 until 1957, he played and managed teams extensively in the New Orleans area all while working in the Men’s Clothing and Sporting goods department of Maison Blanche and fashion modeling for them in local media. He also attended night school at Tulane University.

In 1952 , Hal married the love of his life, the beauty queen and big band singer, Helen Englert . With marriage and family life, Hal interests turned to succeeding in the business world. He was recruited from Godchaux’s Men’s Department to Whirlpool Appliance Corporation, and became an award winning salesman many times over. At Whirlpool, he was a district sales manager and attained second place in the nation in 1969 helping to grow Campo Appliances from a small hardware store to a national chain of stores. In his spare time he aggressively began growing his real estate business of buying and operating rental properties in the New Orleans Uptown, University, and Old Metairie area.

In the 1970’s, when he acquired a second home on Geoghegan Canal in The Rigolets, Hal began to enjoy boating and fishing with family and friends, where he affectionately became known as “Skipper”. He was a man of God and the Catholic Church. He loved Mardi Gras, dancing, traveling and socializing. He had a knack for conversation and made friends wherever he went. In 1986, he retired from Whirlpool Corporation to focus on his apartment business and to enjoy life with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1997, Hal was honored as one of five annual New Orleans area baseball athletes to be admitted to The Diamond Club Baseball Hall of Fame. Hal loved all sports but was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints, LSU and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

In 2005, Hal and his beloved wife Helen retired to St Joseph’s Manor in Thibodeaux, La., but often returned to visit their home on State and Prytania in New Orleans. Hal passed away peacefully early Monday morning in Thibodaux, Louisiana surrounded by family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, responsibility, accomplishment, and wonderful memories of love and laughter to all his friends and family.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at the Chapel of LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 12:00 Noon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until time of service. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.