In Memoriam: Ideas Unlimited Found Samuel B. Rosenblum

Samuel B. Rosenblum, founder of Memphis, Tennessee, distributor Ideas Unlimited (UPIC: IDEA0013), passed away on March 5. He was 83.

Rosenblum died in his Memphis home after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maureen, daughter Randa, sons Rick (Kristie) and Jeff (Elizabeth) and three granddaughters, Lainee, Maggie and Sadie. He is also survived by a sister, Rosalind King (Arthur), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law and friends who loved him very much. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Charles and Michael.

Born October 17, 1928, to Alex and Dorothy Rosenblum, Rosenblum grew up in Schlater, Mississippi.  He graduated from Columbia Military Academy and Vanderbilt University, and then moved to Marks, Mississippi, to manage his father’s retail clothing store. The store was later gifted to him by his parents as a wedding present, and he and his wife ran it for 11 years before moving to Clarksdale, Mississippi.  After a short stint in Clarksdale, they relocated to Memphis, where Rosenblum lived for the rest of his life. Rosenblum founded Ideas Unlimited in 1972. Prior to that, he was a partner at K&R Advertising Specialties.

A natural entertainer, Rosenblum was an actor and singer and participated in amateur theater productions his entire life. He was active in the Vanderbilt University Theater and the Clarksdale Little Theater, where he acted and directed productions. He continued acting after moving to Memphis and made it a point to entertain everyone that he encountered.

Rosenblum was a member of Temple Israel for 43 years and enjoyed all the many friendships he made.  One of his favorite ways to express and enjoy his love for music was through the Ruach services at Temple. Funeral services were held at the Temple Israel Cemetery on March 6. The family asks that family and friends make donations to Temple Israel, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.