Garland J. Bloom Jr.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Garland J. Bloom Jr., 74, a real estate executive and board chairman of Sibley Memorial Hospital, died of lung cancer June 3 in Fairfax.
Mr. Bloom was born in Charleston, S.C., and raised in Washington, where he was a graduate of  Eastern High School and Benjamin Franklin University. He served in the D.C. National Guard during the Korean War.
From 1952 to 1977, he was with the B.F. Saul Co. mortgage firm, beginning as an inspector on home construction and becoming senior vice president in charge of all financial and administrative departments. From 1964 to 2005, he was a trustee with B.F. Saul Real Estate Investment Trust and chairman of the audit committee from 1990 to 2005.
From 1977 to 1987, he was vice chairman and chief operating officer for Smith Braedon Co. From 1988 to 1990, he was executive vice president and principal with GMB Associates. From 1990 until his death, he was a real estate consultant. He also was a member of the advisory board and a trustee of Columbia Real Estate Title Insurance Co.
He joined the Sibley board in 1979 and was elected chairman in 1999. As a member of the executive committee, he oversaw the modernization of the hospital building and the addition of the Renaissance Building, the Cancer Center and Grand Oaks, the assisted-living facility.
Mr. Bloom was a member of Fairfax Circle Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and treasurer. A boater and fisherman, he also was a fan -- and occasional critic -- of the Washington Redskins.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Patricia Lee Bloom of Fairfax; four children, Nina Margaret Palmateer of Montclair, Va., Amanda Karen McCaffrey of Pompano Beach, Fla., and Adam Lee Bloom and Peter Paul Bloom, both of Fairfax; a brother, Larry Howell Bloom of Waldorf; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.