Girard Griffith Bloom

Girard (Jerry) Griffith Bloom, 88, of Blairsville passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at home surrounded by family.

The son of Griffith G. and Vernita (Sharbaugh) Bloom, he was born on May 17, 1937, in Spangler, PA.

Jerry married Ann A. M. Ripple on August 25, 1990, and together they shared 34 years of happy marriage.

He was a quality control supervisor at North Cambria Fuel for at least 40 years. Jerry was a member of the Hopewell Church in Blacklick Township. He was a Korean War veteran, avid farmer, and long-time friend of the Brush Valley Mennonite Community. Jerry’s favorite hobbies included cutting grass, watching his animals, watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events, and drinking a nice, cold beer. He was also a devoted supporter of the Homer City Livestock Auction.

He is survived by his wife Ann (Ripple) Bloom; six children, Steve Bloom (Cathleen Golden) of Indiana, Chris Bloom (Melissa) of Armagh, Cindy Gwynn (Tim) of Harrison City, Eden Zenisek (Matt) of Pittsburgh, Michelle Bloom (Jeff Tower) of Pittsburgh, and Jared Bloom of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren Jessica, Brent, Alaina, Brett, Kaylyn, Darby, and baby Zenisek; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Ann Goodwin of Peoria, IL and Sally Bearer of Carrolltown; and many friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Barbara Bearer, Madge Sherry, Doris Risbon, and Jane Young; and brothers, Bud Bloom and Jimmy Bloom.

A visitation will be held at Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by a military service conducted by the Blairsville Military Honor Guard, and funeral service at 4:00 PM with Pastor James Yates officiating. Friends and family will be received afterwards with light refreshments at Clyde Fire Hall at 1050 Clyde Rd, New Florence, PA 15944.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Conemaugh Cancer Center, Home Health & Hospice.