Thomas Block

1942 - 2015

Thomas F. Block

Thomas F. Block, age 72, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, after a 5 month battle with lung cancer. He had the opportunity during the last month of his life to spend time with the family and friends whom he loved.

Tom was born on December 9, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York to Alexander and Helen Block. He grew up in what he described as "Archie Bunker's neighborhood." He attended Catholic school, was often the class clown, and later he teased that the arthritis in his hands was caused by all the times the nuns hit him with a ruler.

He enlisted in the Navy at age 18 and served 3 years on the USS Randolph, an aircraft carrier. His was the flagship during the Cuban crisis, with Robert McNamara on board.

He moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1966 and there met his future wife, Barbara Ann Ibanez. They were married on June 3, 1967 and just celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.

Tom joined the Ft Lauderdale Fire Department in 1969 and was a firefighter for many years, and then an inspector and arson investigator. He retired after 24 years, but then worked as a part time fire inspector for the cities of Coral Springs, Fl. and Mt. Dora, Fl. He and his wife moved to Tallahassee to be near their son and family in 2007.

Tom was a fun loving man who had many friends and thoroughly enjoyed people. He was loved by all. He was always passionate about sports—especially the Brooklyn/LA Dodgers, the Miami Dolphins, and FSU--and loved to play tennis. He loved music and often had Frank Sinatra playing in the background. More recently, his grandchildren became the center of his life.

Tom was always concerned about fire safety, and even in retirement always did a quick assessment of every building he entered. There were countless times that he helped people eliminate fire hazards and make their homes/businesses safer.

Any gifts in his memory should be directed to: Children's Burn Camp of North Florida (www.campamigo.com), PO Box 368, Tallahassee, FL. 32302

Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, his son Tom (Laura) and grandchildren, Reagan and Nolan; his brother Jack Block (Mia) of Los Angeles and his step brother Jim Gavagan (Carol). He dearly loved his sister in law Lois Franke, and her daughters Robin Beltz and Jennifer Same (Tim) and their children Timmy and Ashley Beltz and Aidan, and Owen Same. In addition, Ann DeBlank and her son Jay DeBlank are friends who have always been part of our family.

Tom's family wishes to thank all the friends and neighbors who have been so caring during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church,1700 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, on Friday, July 10 at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Elizabeth Chambers of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).