Sean Michael Blumberg's Obituary
Sean Michael Blumberg died peacefully on August 31, 2022 with his partner Marissa and his parents by his side. Sean was 35 years old and battled melanoma for 6 1/2 years. He showed true grit, perseverance, and courage throughout his illness. He continued to live his life with poise and love despite the challenges.
Sean was born on May 28, 1987 in San Francisco CA to parents Carol Murphy and Bruce Blumberg. He joined two older siblings Scott and Kate, who were thrilled to have a baby brother. Sean graduated from San Mateo High School in 2005 and Bucknell University in 2009. He then completed a masters degree in psychology and obtained certification as a Behavior Analyst (ABA). His career was devoted to improving the lives of people with autism, developmental disabilities and behavior challenges. He loved his job, and he was great at it!
Sean was a remarkable man. He was known for the sparkle in his eye, a smile that could light up a room, and his endless capacity for kindness, patience and empathy. With his partner, Marissa Hackett, Sean fully enjoyed life, hiking, traveling, being with friends. Sean loved to entertain, making specialty cocktails and delicious exotic meals for the people in his life. Dogs held a special place in his heart, and he could not pass by a dog without stopping to pet them. Autumn and Winter will miss him. Sean had the gift of being able to communicate with people of all ages, naturally and with compassion. He enjoyed children, especially his niece and nephew, Jack and Elle, delighting them with magic tricks. He loved science, and conversations with Sean to discuss evidence-based research were deep and meaningful.
Interment at Skylawn on September 9, 2022 will be attended by family. On Saturday September 10, 2022, friends are invited to join us in a Steps for Melanoma Walk at Lake Merritt, Oakland. Lake Merritt is a place where Sean, Marissa and friends often could be seen enjoying the day. A Celebration of Life will follow the walk. Because Sean loved swimming and surfing in the warm Maui ocean, we will have a scattering of his ashes in Maui at a later date.
Sean's life was too short, but it was significant. He had life, he had love, he had laughter - he had everything. Love never dies and Sean will always be deeply loved.
Donations in Sean's memory can be made to:
AIM - aimatmelanoma.org
an organization that supports people with melanoma. We often relied on " Ask An Expert."
American Red Cross - redcross.org/donate , specify dedication to friend or loved one
During his illness, Sean required more than 25 units of blood. He organized a blood drive in March 2022, and more than 60 units were donated by friends and family. Donations of blood or a monetary donation in Sean's name are appreciated.
Yosemite Conservancy - yosemite.org/memorial
Sean loved the outdoors, especially hiking in forests with sequoia and redwood trees. Donations to support the beauty of Yosemite are appreciated.
What’s your fondest memory of Sean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sean?
Share a story where Sean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sean you’ll never forget.
How did Sean make you smile?