Richard Bloom Obituary

We’re saddened to share that former board chair Richard Bloom passed away on September 30 at the age of 92.  A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, October 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 Walnut St in Cary.

Mr. Bloom retired from the Coastal board of directors in 2017 after admirably serving our organization for 44 years. He began as a volunteer with Coastal in 1973 while he was working for IBM, our original membership group. During most of his time with Coastal, he served as Chairman of the Board. He also served terms as Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer.  During his tenure on the board, he was instrumental in various committees, including: data processing, executive, insurance, nominating, pension plan, and personnel.

Mr. Bloom was an energetic advocate for credit unions, and became active throughout the industry. In 2002, he was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year by both the North Carolina Credit Union League and the National Association of Federal Credit Unions. In 2003, the League honored him with their Mark of Excellence Award. In 2018, he was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, among the highest honors awarded by the State of North Carolina.

Mr. Bloom was employed by IBM for 36 years as a programmer, programmer analyst, programming manager, test system engineering manager and mechanical design automation manager. Much of that time was spent in Raleigh.  He earned his MBA from Wake Forest University. 

Outside of Coastal, he was a board member and advisor to the Cary Senior Living center, a senior leader at the UNC Institute on Aging, an advisory member for the North Carolina Symphony, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He was also an avid racewalker, and competed in the NC Senior Games.