Robert Lee Block

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Robert Block Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 17, 2024.

Robert Lee "Bob" Block, aged 94, of Mahwah, NJ and Englewood, FL passed away on September 1, 2024. He passed peacefully at his son's home in West Milford, NJ with his wife of almost 70 years, Louise, by his side. Born on January 13, 1930 at his family home in Waldwick, NJ, where he grew up. He led a life marked by dedication to his family and the care and friendship to others.

Bob served in the Navy during the Korean War, where he was stationed on an aircraft carrier, providing crucial support to ground military operations. His commitment to service continued into his civilian life where he worked for the various New Jersey telephone companies, including AT&T, NJ Bell, and Verizon. Over a 37-year career, he evolved from a field service technician, adept at climbing poles, to a central office technician, managing the complexities of switching offices.

An active parishioner of St. Albans Episcopal Church, Bob's faith was a cornerstone of his life. His commitment to community service was profound; he was a charter member and president of the Mahwah Fire Co. #4 Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Inc., demonstrating his dedication to his community by helping to establish much-needed emergency services.

Bob cherished the simple joys in life, such as enjoying a good cheeseburger, chicken parmigiana, ice cream or his all time favorite, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He was an avid reader who loved acquiring knowledge and applying it practically, whether it involved wiring a house, plumbing, or car mechanics. His hands-on approach to learning and his laughter were treasures to all who knew him.

He leaves behind his wife, Louise (Castillo) Block, his son, Robert L. (Rob) Block Jr., and daughter-in-law, Maria (Higgins) Block, and her children Jake, Luke, Mark and John, sister-in-law Evelyn Ganguzza. Nephews Donald Brennan, George, and Roger Block, Tammy and Ricky Kelly, Greg and Nancy Ganguzza, Dawn Havens, Edward and Carolyn DeRocco, Richard and Rosann DeRocco, Tom and Michelle DeRocco and many grand nieces and nephews.. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth Lee (Mattison) Block, and his siblings, George, Howard, Ethel, and Frances. On his in-law side, Ed DeRocco, Rose Garant, Albert Castillo, Dolores Barker and their spouses.

A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 20th at 3:00 PM at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 1 Church Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shrine's Children's Hospital in memory of Robert.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Evelyn Ganguzza

September 18, 2024

I have written twice about my brother-in-law and moved the iPad and it disappeared. I hope I can write my feelings to express how I remember him. I knew him long before him marriying my sister Louise. He was my brother Al’s best friend. He would come to our home and loved spaghetti and meatballs and an ice cream sundae for desert. That was the beginning.

He loved reading, he would always take a book to rest before taking a snooze, always with a book in hand. He loved his garage with his tools and tinkering with the car, changing the oil etc. with country music playing on the radio, his pleasure of life.

Our family celebrated birthdays, holidays, vacations, cruises, but, most of all our summer lake house with more people, more good times and more good memories, boating, water skiing, fishing and feasts with family and friends.

We have so many fond memories that make our journey of life more pleasurable and will keep us together in heart and in mind, until we meet again.