Thanksgiving 2015

This past Thanksgiving was bitter sweet. We loved being with family in Jacksonville and, as usual with every year, managed to get several snapshots of 6 grandkids that behaved at separate occasions but never in unison. But Thanksgiving was also a sad occasion because Pa was in the hospital and holidays are never the same when someone you love is not feeling well. He died shortly after Thanksgiving and I have included his obituary and a photo of him from when he was younger (which was in the program from his funeral). The picture reminds me so much of Harrison. Harrison was very upset with Pa's passing and it was hard to see him so sad. However, it made me realize that there was a strong connection between Harrison and Pa that I hope continues as Harrison gets older. Pa was a kind, smart, and peaceful person. I am thankful for so many things this year but one thing in particular is that Harrison has a part of Pa in him to help him become the kind of man that his great-grandfather was. We love you, Pa!

In Memory of

Percy Rosenbloom Jr.

April 11, 1928 - December 3, 2015

Obituary

Percy Rosenbloom, Jr. died peacefully on December 3, 2015 after an extended illness. He was born April 11, 1928, and a lifelong native of Jacksonville. Raised in Murray Hill, he attended Ruth N. Upson Elementary School, John Gorrie Jr. High and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1946. For 67 years he was married to his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy Surrency.

Mr. Rosenbloom was a prominent local business man. His career started early during his high school years working alongside his father, Percy Rosenbloom, Sr., who started Florida Window Cleaning Company in 1926. When his father retired, Percy Jr. transformed the small, local window and floor cleaning business into Royal Services, Inc., a commercial building services contracting firm. A man of great energy and keen business acumen, he grew Royal Services into one of largest and most respected building service contractors in Florida with offices in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and Orlando. He was a true entrepreneurial visionary, and pioneered many private business ventures over the years.

Outside of business he enjoyed all sorts of activities from golf, to bream fishing with Dot in Florida's backwater creeks. He and his wife were also pilots, flying their Cessna single engine airplane throughout the South. Mr. Rosenbloom was an avid walker, and was often seen walking the neighborhoods of Ortega protected by his notorious walking stick. Most importantly he enjoyed time spent with his many friends, and the Friday night dinners with the Timuquana golfing group.

Mr. Rosenbloom was predeceased by his parents, two older sisters, Louise Carlton and Linnie Williamson, and his daughter, Beverly Rosenbloom Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Surrency Rosenbloom, two sons and daughters in law, Percy Rosenbloom, III (Betty), Steven M. Rosenbloom (Paula), nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren with one more on the way.

Cinderella Play

Brooks was in her second play this past fall, Cinderella. She seems to have the acting bug and it's no surprise that drama comes naturally to her. The play was really good and it was on an actual stage this time. Nana and Papa came to see the play which made it even more exciting.

Halloween 2015

Halloween is a holiday that is not taken lightly in our neighborhood (or Christmas). And this year was no exception. Our neighborhood goes to great lengths to decorate and make a fun environment for all trick or treaters. It was a little chaotic because our neighborhood also becomes a bit of a circus on Halloween night. Kids are everywhere and jacked up on candy...what could go wrong?? But we all enjoyed the day and earlier that morning, both Brooks and Harrison had fun school parties that I was able to attend and take part in. We love Halloween!

Brooksie's Bday Celebrations

The Badger turned 5 this past month so, like most of our birthdays, we spent the whole month celebrating. First, we spent 2 days in Orlando visiting the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. We met up with some friends at Epcot and had a great time. The following weekend, Brooks has her actual Birthday Party with a couple of her best friends at Lollipops Salon.