Bernard Blum, a founder and partner of Blum Shapiro, the region’s largest regional accounting and business consulting firm, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86.
Blum helped found the company in 1980 and was the firm’s managing partner from 1980 to 1985.
Previously, Blum had established Blum Kaplan & Company with George Kaplan in 1956.
Today, Blum Shapiro employs more than 250 at its West Hartford and Southport offices.
“When Bernie turned over the leadership of the firm to me in 1986, I had big shoes to fill in many ways,” said Blum Shapiro chairman and former managing partner David Rosenthal in a statement. “He was an incredible leader in the firm and the profession, leading by example.”
Rosenthal added that Blum would be “sorely missed” and that his “amazing drive” inspired others to do their best.
Blum was well respected in the accounting community and was credited for his long history of public service with a number of civic and professional organizations.
In 1979, former Gov. Ella Grasso appointed him to the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy, where he served two terms as its chair. He also received several awards from various organizations, including the Distinguished Service Award in 2001 from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
“Our entire firm has lost a kind, talented leader who served as an inspiration to everyone around him,” said Blum Shapiro managing partner Carl R. Johnson.
“All of us at Blum Shapiro are greatly saddened by the passing of our good friend. Our entire firm will continue to try to live up to his legacy of high standards,” he said.
A certified public accountant, Blum also was an accredited estate planner, personal financial specialist, certified financial planner and registered investment advisor.
He resided in Bloomfield.
