Charles Bernard Block's Obituary
Charles “Chuck” Block, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, entrepreneur, and investor, passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 91.
Born in 1934 in Laredo, Texas, Chuck was a proud graduate of Martin High School, where he excelled as a student-athlete and earned a football scholarship to the University of Texas. When duty called, he chose to serve his country by volunteering for the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, where he flew aboard KC-97 refueling planes, traveling the world in service.
While stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Chuck met the love of his life, Sara, who would become his wife of nearly 70 years. Together, they built a home, a family, and a life filled with love, loyalty, and laughter.
After his military service, Chuck began working for his father-in-law, Murph Handmaker, in the auto parts business while attending night school at the University of Arizona. After graduating, he launched his own business selling industrial tires to Arizona’s copper mines. With determination and business savvy, he built it into the world’s largest Firestone tire dealership at the time.
After selling his company, Chuck explored real estate for a while but eventually returned to his lifelong passion: studying the stock market. A sharp, independent thinker and dedicated investor, he tracked financial markets with focus and discipline remaining active and engaged until his very last day.
Chuck was a man of quiet strength, dry wit, and unshakable values. He was known for his signature line: “Don’t worry about nothing, because nothing is going to be alright.” A perfectly Chuck expression blunt, philosophical, and somehow comforting all at once.
He especially cherished his roots in Laredo and the family ranch where he spent his early years. The ranch became a place of restoration and joy - a place to unplug, play cards, sip scotch, and share time with those he loved. It held some of his most cherished memories.
Chuck is survived by his devoted wife, Sara Block; his three children: Michael Block and his wife Lauren, Jodi Gallick and her husband Morty, and Charles Block Jr. and his wife Carelle and his brother-in-law, Hirsch Handmaker. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Rachel and Paul Bradley, Chase Block, Justin Gallick, Aaron and Jaime Gallick, Nate and Tara Gallick, Nick and Joelle Gallick, Charlie Block, Ali Block, Jenn and Nick Trail, Michael Udorvich, and Rachel Udorvich. He was blessed with twenty-one great-grandchildren who brought him immeasurable pride and joy.
Chuck is also survived by many nieces and nephews and by his cousins Bonnie and Carl Lang, whose presence remained a meaningful thread throughout his life.
A memorial service will be held in Tucson. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chuck’s honor may be made to Sol Dog Lodge in Marana, Arizona - a cause close to the family’s heart.
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