Kal Rosenblum

Kalman (Kal) Rosenblum of Margate, Florida died in Dallas, TX on October 14, 2020 with his family at his side.   He was born in Bronx, New York in 1927.

After graduating from Dewitt Clinton High School, he served with the 88 ^th Infantry (Blue Devils) in the U. S. Army in Italy during World War II. He attended electronics trade school and worked in aerospace which took his family to Florida, Alabama and finally, to Richardson, Texas.

Kal was the poster child for the term side-hustle.   Growing up in the Bronx, he learned early how to make extra money. He was ahead of his time when in the 60’s he created renderings for a drive-thru restaurant using a pneumatic tube for food delivery.  He wrote a script for a television comedy, tried to create a company to compete with the U.S. Post Office, and booked entertainment acts at clubs in Dallas.

After his aerospace career ended, he started manufacturing and selling needlepoint kits and expanded into the textile business.  Retiring to Margate, Florida in 1993 he kept busy serving on the Oriole Gardens III Homeowners’ Association and self-publishing two books – “No Jumping – No Splashing” about over 55 condominium living and “My Kingdom for a Cigarette” about his Army experiences in Italy during WWII.”

Kal never saw himself as his actual age.  He referred to many of his friends and acquaintances as “seniors”.   In his later years, his greatest side hustles though were not for money.  He was a board member on the Southeast Chapter of the 88 ^th Infantry Division, primarily responsible for planning the division’s annual reunions in Florida and Georgia.  He was a volunteer at The Learning Center for Vision Impaired Seniors assisting participants on and off the bus, serving lunch, and entertaining them with his comedy schtick.  He kept in shape by attending Silver Sneakers and was always ready to share his squats.  He formed friendships with many of his exercise pals who routinely met at Dunkin Donuts after the workouts.  Kal loved traveling, casinos, playing poker with friends, dancing, and telling “true” stories.  He shared his final years with Gloria Avon of Coconut Creek, Florida enjoying his favorite activities.  He will be missed.

Kal’s family would like to thank the Medical City, Plano, Texas nursing and social work staff on the 4 ^th floor of Tower C and the attending physicians for being so attentive to Kal and communicative with them.  We also thank the staff at Faith Presbyterian Hospice for their dedication and kindness.

Kal is survived by his four children, Ronna Schmoker, Michael Rosenblum (Antoine Khouri), Dana Yarborough (Dave Robinson), and Alex Rosenblum (Marian), three granddaughters, Claire Schmoker Williams (Darrell), Stephanie Yarborough, Jill Rosenblum, and great-granddaughters Alissa and McKenna Williams.  He is also survived by his girlfriend Gloria Avon and friends he has made through his various activities.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years Roslyn, parents Julius and Mollie, brother Irwin, and ex son-in-law Tim Yarborough.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date in Florida.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Learning Center for Vision Impaired Seniors, 9606 NW 26 ^th St., Sunrise, Florida.  33322 or Faith Presbyterian Hospice, 12477 Merit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75251