Elijah “Eli” George Blumberg

Elijah “Eli” George Blumberg, 6 years old, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, died at his home with his parents by his side on Sunday, August 19, 2018. Eli is survived by his father and mother, Jeremy Blumberg and Rosheen Kavanagh; younger brother, Emmett Blumberg; maternal grandparents, Graham and Ann Kavanagh; paternal grandparents, Stephen and Nancy Blumberg; maternal uncle, Aidan and his wife Michelle Kavanagh; and paternal aunt, Rachel Blumberg.

Though far too brief, Eli’s life was not short on accomplishments or adventure. A proud graduate of Magic Years Nursery School in Braintree, Massachusetts, Eli began his professional endeavors in April 2017, when he was sworn in as the police commissioner of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Many career moves followed, including stints as a goalie for the New England Revolution professional soccer team, a junior firefighter for the Braintree Fire Department, a red line conductor for the MBTA, chief of the Braintree Police Department, and last, but certainly not least, the first and only mayor of Magic Years Nursery School.

Outside of work, Eli was an avid sports fan, often spending time attending the local Braintree Girls Soccer and Hockey games, where he was best known for his mid-game player pep talks. His travels included frequenting amusement parks across New England—Edaville Railroad, Canobie Lake Park, and Story Land among them—journeying to the very top of Mount Washington on the Cog Railway, attending the rodeo and local monster truck rallies, and spending many afternoons on his grandparents’ beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts. A Beatles fan through and through, he followed Beatles cover bands around the Boston area and was famous for his rousing renditions of “Help” and “Ticket to Ride” in the hallways of Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber.

Eli’s favorite pastimes were dancing and singing, arts and crafts, reading silly stories, going to school, swimming, sifting for rocks in his backyard, playing Wii bowling, coming up with original knock-knock jokes and silly rhymes, and, most notably, spending time with family and friends.

Beyond his many interests and achievements, Eli was best known for how he made other people feel. Sunshine always seemed to follow when Eli entered a room. Upon meeting him, one could expect a strong high-five or a giant hug, and always a great, big smile. He was joyful, caring, smart, funny, and constantly enthusiastic. Universally revered for his kind nature, friendly demeanor, and excessively good manners, Eli brought happiness to everyone he encountered and made friends wherever he went.

The number of lives Eli touched over the years is simply too great to count. He was, however, the most loved and amazing son, big brother, grandson, nephew, and friend. Though he will be missed immeasurably by his friends and family, the warmth and joy he brought to so many others will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Friday August 24, at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 809 Main Street, South Weymouth. The service will be at All Souls Church at 12:30 pm Saturday, 196 Elm Street, Braintree followed by burial in Fairmount Cemetery, Weymouth. The family encourages you to show your love of Eli by wearing some yellow or red on Saturday.

In celebration of Eli’s life, the family requests that you make a sand castle on the beach, read a Dr. Seuss story aloud, listen to your favorite Beatles album, or dance and sing like you don’t have a care in the world. Oh, and of course please remember to say pleaseand thank youin all your interactions!

For memorial donations, please consider a gift to the Eli Blumberg Memorial Fund or to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.