Obituary
Clifford A. (“Cliff”) Baum of Fruitland Park passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 3, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. He was 83.
Born in Buffalo, New York to Edward F. and Mabel (Rother) Baum, co-owners of a local floral business, Cliff admired his older brother Dick, and developed a passion for athletics, lettering in several sports. While attending Amherst Central High School, he met his wife of 63 years, Beverly Lutz. He graduated from Erie County Technical Institute, and served in the National Guard.
His business savvy saw him rise to Vice President of DeSpirt Mosaic & Marble Co. in Buffalo, NY, followed by establishing two successful businesses, Ceramic Tile of Broward (Ft. Lauderdale, FL.) and Ceramic Tile Management (Fruitland Park, FL).
Woodworking was a lifelong hobby, and his architecture talent found him designing and building two family homes, the first in Clarence, New York where he and Beverly raised their family, and their retirement log home in Fruitland Park.
Cliff came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and was active at First Baptist Church Orlando in their Easter production “The Light”, and as Chairman of Deacons at First Baptist Church Leesburg.
He enjoyed raising and showing prized poultry at the Florida State Fair and other events. In retirement, he tended to a small herd of miniature cattle as well as breeding miniature horses. He would host 4 H Clubs to tour the livestock and the land he loved so much. His fondness for German Shepherds was evident throughout his life, where one was never far from his side.
Seen as independent and self-reliant, Cliff was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Entertaining his children and grandchildren at the “The Farm” brought great joy to him. In the dustk of his life, Cliff tended to the needs of Beverly in spite of his own physical ailments which he often kept to himself.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard E. “Dick” Baum in 2003.
Cliff is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Beverly, and children Bruce, Thomas, Scott and Linda (Lear), and seven grandchildren, Krista, Aaron, Megan, Sarah, Brianna, Josef and Angelina. A private service is planned with internment at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park, Florida
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad and my Uncle Cliff. I remember his fondness for animals and the variety of aquariums of fish in Clarence. The angel fish were so spectacular. We were a sports family, always watching some game at the family gatherings. Uncle Cliff did the plans for our family house on Beach Ridge and built my bedroom cabinets with a desk and makeup area that I loved. Flying to Florida as a teen to visit your family was pretty exciting. Our fathers always shared a great sense of humor and love for each other. I will miss Uncle Cliff.