Alan Jay Baum's Obituary
Alan Jay Baum of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in his home. He was 81. Alan was born December 10, 1934 in Hartford, Connecticut to Joseph and Ida M. Baum and moved to Hollywood, Florida at the age of 10. He graduated from South Broward High School and attended the University of Florida for 2 years. He returned to Hollywood and started Baums Malalukka tree ranch. While running his business he studied for and passed the Florida real estate brokers exam. He then sold real estate in conjunction with his tree business. In 1957 he moved to Fort Myers and started McGregor Homes Construction Co. and developed a subdivision at the corner of McGregor Blvd and A & W Bulb Road. Further developments included building Lake McGregor Drive and the homes on both sides. Further down the road he developed the Hawaiian South Condominiums and finished the development of Fiesta Village. He started Alan J. Baum Realtor with offices on McGregor Blvd. During that time he built the water and sewer plants supplying services from McGregor Blvd. to the subdivisions along Cypress Lake Drive. As a member of a group hoping to induce Edison Junior College to build in its present location, he donated $25,000.00 and free water and sewer connections for the college. Years later, almost 3 miles of land 100” wide was donated by him to Lee County for a future road. This land was eventually part of Pine Shadows 20/20 Conservation Park, which he sold to the county. In 1958, he joined the Fort Myers Jewish Community Center / Temple Beth El. Alan was a life member of the Temple and donated the Ark in memory of his parents. In 1960, Alan ran the first Charity Ball featuring Les Brown and his Band of Renown, as a fundraiser for Temple Beth El. During the 1980’s, Alan developed a cow/calf ranching operation on 2200 acres across from Lehigh Acres Rt. 82. At the ribbon cutting ceremony for the eastern Del Prado extension, Alan was given a plaque by then county commissioner, Andy Coy, for donating 2 ?? miles of right way to Lee County. In 1985, Alan joined the Royal Palm Yacht Club and enjoyed many years of cruising with them. He served on their board of directors 2 different times and on many committees. Alan leaves his loving wife, Laurene; daughters, Sharon Baum-Norgart and Robin Baum; grandchildren, Stephanie, Matthew, Brandon, Jenna, Natasha and Dane; and great-grandchildren, Blair, Caden and Kamden. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Golisano Children’s Hospital, PO Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL 33902. Online condolences may be shared on his tribute page at www.fortmyersmemorial.com
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