Stanley Block

Obituary STANLEY BLOCK September 12, 1906-October 2, 2008 Born in Manhattan, New York, Stanley Block attended De Witt Clinton High School and graduated from New York University (where he was the oldest alumnus and led the graduation recessional in 2004). After attending Columbia University and graduating from New York Law, Block practiced law for over fifty-five years, first in New York and later in San Leandro, California, where he settled during the last months of World War II. The drum major for the NYU band and later a professional dance band musician on the violin and saxophone in college, Block continued to play an active role on numerous symphony boards and Arts Commissions while at the same time performing on the violin in home recitals and Community Orchestras until after he turned 100. As a young man he played on the NYU tennis team, won numerous local and regional tennis championships in California, and was still trying to perfect his serve into his nineties. He also was active in the acquisition and construction of Temple Beth Sholom in San Leandro, where he served as President; he later served as Vice President of Temple Sinai in Oakland. For 69 years Stanley Block was married to his beloved wife Ruth, who died on August 8, 2007. He is survived by his daughter Norma, his son Geoffrey, his daughter-in-law Jacqueline, and his granddaughters Jessamyn and Eliza. Shortly after Ruth's death, Stanley joined the Tacoma Blocks. During his final year in Tacoma, Geoffrey and his family have treasured Grandpa Stanley's magnificent and original sense of humor, his zest for life, and his undying spirit. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.