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John Block Obituary
Born: November 11, 1995 in Springfield, IL
Died: November 25, 2023 in Chicago, IL
John D. Block
John Block, died peacefully at the age of 28 on Saturday November 25, 2023 at the University of Chicago Hospital. He was born November 11, 1995 in Springfield, Illinois. John was a good soul with an ever-present smile, who loved life.
Baptized John David by Fr. Medard Buvala, OFM, he was a lifelong parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. John attended St. Joseph and St. Mary Nativity Grade Schools and Providence High School. He was employed by the Joliet Park District. John enjoyed boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and singing a good country song. As a summer volunteer for Edmunite Missions in Mosses, Alabama, John won the hearts of the people, especially the children, delivering food and supplies collected in Joliet, installing playground equipment and painting their community center.
John is survived by his loving parents George and Regina Block, caring brother Joseph (Ruth Collins) Block; supportive siblings Ashli Gaffney and her mother Michele Gaffney and Zach (Hannah) Graves and his mother Jennifer Graves; paternal grandmothers Maureen Block and Marlene Moore. Maternal aunts and uncles: Peter (Gail) Piazza, Chris (Margie Banicke) Piazza, Mary Piazza, John (Karen) Piazza, Jamie (Christina) Piazza, Margy (Mark) Seidel, Greg (Lori) Piazza, Sean (Ronette) Piazza, Therese Piazza, Deanna Piazza, Michele (Scott) Schroeder. Paternal aunts and uncles: Pam Tezak, Ken Block, Beth (Doug) Hucek, Tom Block, Ron Block and Jeri Moore. Also surviving are numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and "Best Bud" Jimmy Austin.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents Peter and Noreen Piazza and George Block; maternal aunt Madonna Piazza and paternal uncle Tom Tezak.
John was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on March 19, 2021. From the onset the outpouring of love and prayerful support was amazing. John and his family greatly appreciated the compassionate medical care provided by the entire UChicago Hospital Young Adult Clinic, especially Adam DuVall, MD, Wendy Stock, MD, and Juli Dziuban, PA; his local primary care provided by Joseph Hindo, MD; and the kind consideration of Brad Staab and the support of Joliet Park District staff during John's illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of John Block to UChicago Young Adult Clinic or the Joliet Park District Foundation.
Visitation for John Block will be held at the Blackburn Giegerich Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet on Friday December 1, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday, December 2, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 North Hickory Street, Joliet beginning at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:45 a.m. at the church. Private Interment at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Joliet. For more information, please call 815-744-4444 or visit www.bgsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Block
Sponsored by Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home - Joliet.
Tricia Simpson
December 4, 2023
Regina - I am so sorry to learn about your son´s passing. Clearly he was loved by everyone he met and left a legacy of caring and compassion. The world is better for the impact he made.
Carolyn Dailey
December 3, 2023
John had an effervescent personality. He added so much to our technology class - always positive and always fun. I will always remember John as a positive and bright light.
Carolyn Dailey, Teacher
Providence Catholic
Joseph and Vanessa Mendez
December 3, 2023
Dear George, Regina, and Family, we are so sorry to hear of John's passing. I will always remember his laughter and energy he brought to the room!! Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your dear son. I hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathies, Joe and Vanessa Mendez
John and Kim Mares
December 2, 2023
We send our deepest condolences to the Block family from John Kim Mares and family once a Nailer & Celtic always a Nailer & Celtic RIP John
Jennifer Dillon-Bortoli
December 1, 2023
The Blocks- You are in my thoughts and prayers. I think of John is one of the best. He had a great smile. I will always remember our trip to the Lake House with all of you and my family. Plus, being on the air tube. Love You
Col & Jer Dillon
December 1, 2023
Our hearts are so saddened with the loss of John. Glad we got to share some good times with him!
Father Jim Lewis
November 30, 2023
Blessings to this family. I know that John rests with the Lord.
Father Jim Lewis, O. Carm.
University of St. Francis
Judy Beaton
November 30, 2023
George, Regina, & Joseph,
On behalf of the Seidel family we extend our deepest sympathies on your unimaginable loss of John. We are praying for comfort & peace at this time. May the love & support from your family & friends carry you through your grief. Judy Beaton
Brother Ed Arambasich OFM
November 28, 2023
You are in my prayers. Brother Ed Arambasich OFM
Lori Theobald
November 28, 2023
George so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Lori Theobald and family
Deb Bacharz
November 28, 2023
Dear Reg and family,
My heart goes out to you as you navigate this immeasurable loss. I did not know John, but knowing you, Regina, I know he must have been a remarkable man. All my love to each of you suffering his loss.
Sandy Mahler
November 28, 2023
I will always remember "Johnny" coming to visit Uncle Jack and all 9f us go8ng over to Rita and Bob's for pancakes. His smile was electric and could light up the room. He will be missed. ³
Shelly West
November 28, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Denise Maffeo
November 28, 2023
We are so sad to learn of John´s passing. We remember seeing him with the family at OLA at Mass. Unfortunately we understand too well the tragedy of loosing a child.
Jim and Denise Maffeo
Sue Bloch
November 28, 2023
My condolences to the family members; thinking of you.
Gary Fuqua
November 27, 2023
John was such a fun guy. He had such a big personity. I met and worked with him at Our Lady of Angels. He will be missed.
Meghan Cardwell
November 27, 2023
Our entire family is so saddened by the loss of John. We were blessed by Johns neighborly spirit. The countless hours spent in the backyard hanging with the girls will always live in our memory along with his beautiful smile.
May John rest in peace.
Ray & Annette Koncar and Family
November 27, 2023
Regina, George, Joe and family,
Know that our deepest sympathy, prayers and love are with you during this very difficult time. John has been a very special individual from the time he was a carefree little boy playing with our children. He has had the strength to overcome many obstacles in his short life, with that precious smile on his face! He has brought much love and joy into the world and will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched!
Now, God has relieved John from all of his pain and suffering. May your precious memories of John bring you some comfort, and may God grant all of you strength and peace!
Moira Cardwell
November 27, 2023
I am saddened to hear about the loss of such a great man. From the first day John came to hangout with me in the backyard, he left quite the impact on my life. Despite the age difference, we would spend countless hours together. I am sending all of my love and prayers to his friends and family.
Jill Moore
November 27, 2023
The Block family brings a new meaning to "never give up." They did not give up. No possibility was left untried. John fought hard, as did his parents. So very sorry for your loss.
In deepest sympathy,
Jill Moore
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Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home - Joliet1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435
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