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Donald

(F.)

Block

Obituary

Donald Block, 76 years of age, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2012, surrounded by his wife Susan and his children Peter and Julie. Local businessman, and regular of the Tumblebrook lunch crowd, through his businesses and social relationships, he always managed to learn people’s names and take an interest in their personal lives. A West Hartford native, and son of the late Charles Block and Mildred (Franklin Block) Matchton, Donald was a graduate of William H. Hall High School West Hartford, and Babson College, Wellesley, MA, where he majored in business and wrote a thesis on Supermarkets. After graduating from Babson in 1959, Donald joined Popular Markets, a Connecticut and Massachusetts family supermarket chain. In 1965 he assumed the position of president. While CEO of Popular he was elected a member of the Supermarket Institute. Popular Markets was sold in 1972 and Donald founded Marmac Distributors a health and beauty aids distribution company selling to drug stores and supermarkets. In 1980 Marmac expanded to include prescription pharmaceuticals, and added hospitals to its customer base, making Marmac the fastest growing independent wholesaler serving all of New England. 1988 brought a merger between Marmac and Cardinal Health Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, and Donald became a corporate Vice President of Cardinal as well as President of the Marmac division. He remained with Cardinal until his retirement in December 1994. In January 1995 Donald began Real Estate Investment Services to provide consulting services and investment opportunities to real estate investors. Donald loved being busy and cherished this daily work until his death. Donald was active in various philanthropic and community organizations. He was a Thirty Second Degree member of the Masons and a member of Melha Temple Shriners where he served on the Shriners Hospital review board until 1966, and in 2010 Donald received his certificate for 50 years of membership as a Mason. He served on the administrative committee of Hartford Jewish Federation from 2001 to 2003. Donald was a member of Temple Beth Israel since 1965 and Tumble Brook Country Club where he enjoyed being with his friends and playing golf, and he was proud to be a member of the Toppers a social and philanthropic club. Donald is survived by his wife, Susan, who he adored, supported and tried to keep up with for more than 50 years, and who he counted on for care-taking. He leaves his daughter Julie, who feels lucky and fortunate to have spent meaningful time caring for her father on his journey with cancer, and her husband Kenny Saffir, who shared many lunches, Wednesday night dinners and fun golf games. He also leaves behind his son, Peter, who inherited his boisterous laugh, and love of films and reading, and his wife Lisa, of Los Angeles. His days were brightened by his grandchildren, Robin Saffir, Ethan Block and Zoe Block who he loved very much. The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Siegel and his devoted care team including primary nurse Laurie, and lab technician Nana, and the rest of the wonderful and supportive staff at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center. In addition he is grateful for his family relationships with Bill and Harriet Katz, Gladie and Steve Lauer, Gary and Debbie Katz, Lynn and John Patrizio, and his great-nephew and four great-nieces. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford, with Rabbi Michael Pincus officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Whitman Ave., West Hartford. A memorial period will follow at Temple Beth Israel from 3-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, Congregation Beth Israel or charity of your choice . For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Donald, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.

Guest Book For

Donald Block

(F.)

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From: AnnMarie eMonte

From Bloomfield, ct

Posted On: October 16, 2012

He was always friendly and warm

From: Patricia K. Goldstein

From new hartford, CT

Posted On: October 16, 2012

Dear Susan,

Our sincere sympathy to you and your family May you heal with many loving
memories.

Sincerely,

Patti and Arnie Goldstein

From: Edward Noroian

From Bloomfield, ct

Posted On: October 14, 2012

Although I only knew Mr. Block for a few short months, he was a true gentleman. He will be missed.

From: Mary Ann Frost

From Enfield, ct

Posted On: October 14, 2012

Block Family-

I am so sorry to hear of Donalds passing. I had the privilege of working with him for many years at MarMac and then Cardinal Health. He was a kind man with a great laugh and I have thought of him often over the years. May he rest in peace and may your hearts be full of happy memories.

Mary Ann Frost

From: Richard fichman

From Farmington, Ct

Posted On: October 14, 2012

Julie,
We were sorry to hear about your loss. It's a heartache, we feel for you,

Lynn and Richard Fichman

From: Sam and Barbara Snyder

From Somers, CT

Posted On: October 14, 2012

With over 50 years of wonderful memories, Donald will continue continue to live on in our hearts!

From: joseph migliorato

From west hartford, ct

Posted On: October 14, 2012

Susan & family,
So very sorry to hear of Donald's passing. He was a wonderful person, so filled with love and kindness. I will miss his smile and engaging in conversation whenever our paths crossed. He always had a positive attitude and you walked away feeling better about the day....
I am very fortunate to have know this man.
May his family be comforted by God's loving presence, and may His healing touch help lighten your sorrow.
Sincerely,
Joseph Migliorato

From: Cousin Barbara K. Levine and Abra Levine

From Boynton Beach, Florida

Posted On: October 14, 2012

Dear Susan, Julie, Kenny, Peter, Lisa,and family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss of Donald. Please know that our thoughts are with you. We extend our condolences and hope that Donald's memory is a comfort to you always.

From: Lisa Simon

From new britain, ct

Posted On: October 14, 2012

I want to extend my heart felt wishes to Donald's family . Sometimes people come into ones life and leave an imprint on your heart. Donald did just that with mine...with his appreciation and kindness to me. And how he made sure to always have a piece of fresh fruit for me everytime I came over to help him with keeping his home clean. He was my favorite and I looked forward to seeing him each Monday.
I will hold all of you in my prayers and somehow I know in my heart that Donald is in a place of peace with God now .
Love, Lisa Simon

From: Rabbi David Small

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: October 14, 2012

I met Mr. Block when he was shopping with Julie. He was a friendly, dignified gentleman and clearly loved being out with his daughter. May his memory be a blessing.

From: Kathy Feinerman

From Boca Raton, Fl

Posted On: October 15, 2012

May your dad rest peacefully now. Our condolences and prayers to your family during this somber time.

From: John Dewees

From Kensington, ct

Posted On: October 15, 2012

Reflections on a time so long ago, yet only yesterday. Codolences to Susan, Peter, and Julie.

From: Mary Anne Zatina

From Farmington, Ct

Posted On: October 15, 2012

I work next door to Mr. Block's office and would look forward everyday to him dropping off his outgoing mail to our office. We had such lovely talks, he was always so positive and happy, he will be missed greatly!

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