From the Indianapolis Star
Block, Harry C. Jr.,
July 6, 2009
Harry C. Block Jr. Harry was born in Indianapolis, IN on November 10, 1916 to Mabel S. and Harry C. Block, Sr. who preceded him in death. He peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 4th, surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Tirzah Blackard Block, his daughter, Barbara Austin, his loving son-in-law Jim Austin, and granddaughters, Lexi and Claire. Harry, known as Harry Jr, HCB, Brud, Daddy, Dad and Papa, had lived many chapters in his life. He grew up primarily in Indianapolis, but enjoyed time in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill he'd tell you), Culver Military Academy, Miami Beach (he always debated as to whether he should have accepted the journalist job with the Miami Herald), and back to Indianapolis, where he remained a lifelong resident. He was a veteran of WWII. His life was enriched by family, friends, and acquaintances from his youth, the Culver years, Block's department store, Block's Bicycle Shop, years of collecting aviation history, Indy Aero Club, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his church. He lived his life with passion, commitment and devotion to the people and activities that he enjoyed. While he took great pride in his world class aviation collection and Indy 500 memorabilia, what really mattered to him was family. The grandson of department store founder William H. Block, he was the Block family historian preserving and passing down stories, photos and traditions. On any given day you could find him lunching downtown with a circle of buddies, cheering at his granddaughters' dance or school activities, or just shooting the breeze and reminiscing about the good old days with anyone who would listen. And while everyone knew Harry through different channels, they were all in agreement that he was one of a kind! The last two years of his life were a courageous and amazing attempt to defeat the health battle of his life. The family expresses sincere gratitude and appreciation to the healthcare team who supported him, including Nurse Jeannette and Aid Monica, Drs. Harris, Shirrell, Lee, and Rouch, Hospice Nurses Tracie and Jeannette and Hospice Aids LaDonna and LaRita, and care giving angel Kim. In addition to his wife Tirzah and daughter Barbara and her family, survivors include daughters Wendy E. Hiltz (Bob), San Luis Obispo, CA, and Debby McCombs (Herman), Kokomo, IN, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life to pay tribute to this self-proclaimed iconoclast. Please join the family in honoring Harry on Wednesday, July 8th at the Sterrett Center, at Ft. Harrison, 8950 Otis Ave. Beginning at 12 noon, the family will welcome guests. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, Harry's ultimate desire was for Tirzah to be cared for. To honor his wishes in lieu of flowers, the family has established the Tirzah B. Block Alzheimer's Long Term Care Fund. Contributions can be made to this fund at any Chase Bank location. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley Brothers Mortuary.
Other Stories about Harry:
The Harry C Block Collection:
Block, Harry C. Jr.,
July 6, 2009
Harry C. Block Jr. Harry was born in Indianapolis, IN on November 10, 1916 to Mabel S. and Harry C. Block, Sr. who preceded him in death. He peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 4th, surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Tirzah Blackard Block, his daughter, Barbara Austin, his loving son-in-law Jim Austin, and granddaughters, Lexi and Claire. Harry, known as Harry Jr, HCB, Brud, Daddy, Dad and Papa, had lived many chapters in his life. He grew up primarily in Indianapolis, but enjoyed time in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill he'd tell you), Culver Military Academy, Miami Beach (he always debated as to whether he should have accepted the journalist job with the Miami Herald), and back to Indianapolis, where he remained a lifelong resident. He was a veteran of WWII. His life was enriched by family, friends, and acquaintances from his youth, the Culver years, Block's department store, Block's Bicycle Shop, years of collecting aviation history, Indy Aero Club, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his church. He lived his life with passion, commitment and devotion to the people and activities that he enjoyed. While he took great pride in his world class aviation collection and Indy 500 memorabilia, what really mattered to him was family. The grandson of department store founder William H. Block, he was the Block family historian preserving and passing down stories, photos and traditions. On any given day you could find him lunching downtown with a circle of buddies, cheering at his granddaughters' dance or school activities, or just shooting the breeze and reminiscing about the good old days with anyone who would listen. And while everyone knew Harry through different channels, they were all in agreement that he was one of a kind! The last two years of his life were a courageous and amazing attempt to defeat the health battle of his life. The family expresses sincere gratitude and appreciation to the healthcare team who supported him, including Nurse Jeannette and Aid Monica, Drs. Harris, Shirrell, Lee, and Rouch, Hospice Nurses Tracie and Jeannette and Hospice Aids LaDonna and LaRita, and care giving angel Kim. In addition to his wife Tirzah and daughter Barbara and her family, survivors include daughters Wendy E. Hiltz (Bob), San Luis Obispo, CA, and Debby McCombs (Herman), Kokomo, IN, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life to pay tribute to this self-proclaimed iconoclast. Please join the family in honoring Harry on Wednesday, July 8th at the Sterrett Center, at Ft. Harrison, 8950 Otis Ave. Beginning at 12 noon, the family will welcome guests. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, Harry's ultimate desire was for Tirzah to be cared for. To honor his wishes in lieu of flowers, the family has established the Tirzah B. Block Alzheimer's Long Term Care Fund. Contributions can be made to this fund at any Chase Bank location. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley Brothers Mortuary.
Other Stories about Harry:
- Effort to Get Medal of Honor for World War II Hero Alex Vraciu '41 Noted in Newspaper
- Indy Transponder: Harry Block
The Harry C Block Collection:
