Gerald Block

Gerald H. Block

Gerald H. Block ("Jerry") died June 18 at his home in Oakland after a ten-month battle with cancer. Jerry was a man filled personality, enthusiasm and humor. Jerry relentlessly pursued knowledge as a student of life as was reflected by his broad range of pursuits and interests - including bicycling in Europe, kayaking in Norway, hiking in Iceland, and reading German literature (in German). Jerry had a unique ability to step back and listen to opposing views and consider new possibilities. He was devoted to family and those close to him; to know and love him was a privilege that always felt reciprocated.

Born in Chicago, IL in March 1944, he received his BA in German Literature from Antioch College, Ohio, including 2 years of study in Germany.

In 1967 Jerry worked as seasonal ranger with the National Park Service at Mesa Verde beginning a lifelong love of the Southwest. Jerry moved to Berkeley for graduate study at UCB where he received a PhD in Educational Sociology. While at UCB he met Carol Swanson, to whom he was married for a wonderful 46 years.

In 1971 Jerry founded A Learning Place, a center for children and adults with reading and learning disorders, with centers in Berkeley and Oakland. After 20 years A Learning Place became a part of the Ann Martin Center.

In 1983 Jerry founded the professional journal CRLA (Computers Reading and Language Arts) which in 1984 turned into the CLD (Computers and Learning Difficulties) the national teacher training conference. Jerry left the conferences in 1991 to co-found Crossroads Trading Co., Inc., a Berkeley-based national clothing company dedicated to educating the public to the importance of recycling fashion. Crossroads' motto is "Do the right thing and do it right." Crossroads now has 33 stores in five states.

From 2002 to 2012 Jerry was a board member (and past president) of the Ann Martin Center, which offers psychological therapy and educational assistance for children in need.

We are asking that donations be sent to the Ann Martin Center (www.annmartin.org).

Jerry's life after his cancer diagnosis was filled with activity, reuniting with old friends and relatives and enjoying time with his family, including the B'nai Mitzvah of his twin grandchildren, an event celebrated by many family and friends. He truly lived life to its fullest until the very end.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol, two children and five grandchildren, and will be sorely missed by scores of friends and colleagues.