Obituary
Jack Block, of Sarasota, passed away May 14th. Jack was born in Adrian, Michigan, to John and Mary Block. Jack had one sister, Donnabelle, who preceded him in death in 2008. After graduating high school in 1951, Jack was employed by Commercial Savings Bank in Adrian, Michigan, until he left to join the U.S. Navy in 1952. He was stationed at U.S. Naval Minecraft base in Charleston, South Carolina, for three years, and then went on to serve on the USS Wrangel, an ammunition ship, for one year. Following his Navy service, in 1960 Jack joined the Toledo Trust Company of Toledo, Ohio. His final position with the company was Assistant Vice President and Advertising Manager. In 1979, Jack purchased a franchise with the Big Red Q Quickprint, and opened a small printing shop in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. He met his life partner, Dr. James Elam, in 1984. After selling the franchise in 1991 and coming to Sarasota, they found that they did not want to leave. They chose retirement on Longboat Key, Florida. Dr. Elam passed away in 2005. Jack was an avid and enthusiastic supporter of the Arts and Theater. He was a donor, patron, and volunteer with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. He cherished his friends and their committed bond and shared interest to support the theater. Jack is survived by a son, Jeff Block; niece, Rochelle McNicol of Sarasota; niece, Penn Teller (Barry); nephew, Mark McNicol (Kathy); and nephew Tim McNicol, all of Adrian, Michigan.
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