Robert Saul Blau, bankruptcy lawyer
Robert Saul Blau, 61, of Upper Chichester, a bankruptcy lawyer with a wacky sense of humor, died of heart failure at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on April Fools' Day, one day before his 62d birthday.
Known as "Big Bob," Mr. Blau was born in Philadelphia, the son of Evelyn Gellar and Seymour Dore "Big Sie" Blau.
As a youngster, he had a penchant for cherry bombs. Yet he managed to earn a diploma from Friends Central High School and went on to graduate from Purdue University, the London School of Economics, and Rutgers Law School.
He represented creditors in bankruptcy cases. He acted as a dealmaker, rather than a litigator, his family said.
In his spare time, Mr. Blau enjoyed photography and piloting small aircraft. His fascination with flight began in high school and continued throughout his life.
"One of his finest aerial moments was coming within 50 feet of the tennis courts at Harriton High School," said his brother Steve.
Mr. Blau earned a master's degree in international finance at the London School of Economics, and continued the friendships made abroad when he returned to the United States.
Mr. Blau married the former Miriam Franco and settled in Phoenixville. The two had a daughter named Margaux Amelia Blau; they owned a dog named Lord Maynard Keynes. The couple divorced about a decade ago.
Mr. Blau explored associations with several law firms but chose to create his own, Kahn Greenberg & Blau, in Plymouth Meeting. When health problems arose, he gave up his business and went to work for Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby L.L.P. in Center City, his brother said. He retired several years ago.
In retirement, he met Hua Hua Zhang, a puppet artist.
"They connected over a shared appreciation for fried dumplings and Mao," his brother said. They married in 2005.
In addition to his brother, wife, former wife, and daughter, he is survived by his mother; two other brothers, David and Mark; and nieces and nephews.
A life celebration will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Levine's Funeral Home, 2811 W. Chester Pike, Broomall. Interment is private.
Contributions may be sent to the Jim Henson Foundation, 37-18 Northern Blvd., Suite 400, Long Island City, N.Y. 11101.
Condolences to the family may be offered at www.levinefuneral.com.
Contact Bonnie L. Cook
at 215-865-2611 or bcook@phillynews.com.
