Stanley J. Block
Stanley J. Block, 89, of Crucible, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 1, 2018, with his wife by his side.
He was born April 15, 1929, in Nemacolin, a son of the late Jacob and Anna Trella Block, Polish immigrants.
Mr. Block was a 1948 graduate of Cumberland Township High School.
He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army’s First Infantry – “The Big Red One” – in Germany, during the Korean War.
On September 5, 1959, he married Leona Udovich, who survives. With his wife, he owned and operated Stan-Lee’s Dairy Bar in Crucible from 1960 through 1997, when they sold the business and retired. Stanley attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Crucible, and was a member of Brooks-Crago American Legion Post 816, Rices Landing, and Crucible Veterans’ Memorial Committee.
Stanley loved entertaining family and friends at their home, where their yard is affectionately known as “Polish Park.” He was very proud of his Polish heritage and could speak Polish fluently. He was affectionately known as “Stush” or “Pappy.”
In addition to his wife, Leona, Stanley is survived by sons Gary (Cheryl) of Crucible and Stan (Tammy) of Ruff Creek; and granddaughters Janet Block of Crucible, Pamela (Matthew) Rychtarsky of Jefferson, Emily (Jordan) Block of St. Petersburg, Fla., Shelby (Jimmy) Kelly of DeLand, Fla., and Rainey Block of Morgantown, W.Va. Mr. Block is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Sharon Udovich of Crucible. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Deceased are a grandson, Vincent Block; brothers Joseph, Jack, Frank and John; and sisters Maria, Helen, Pauline and Ann.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, in Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where a blessing service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, May 5, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Crucible, with the Rev. John M. Bauer, celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Crucible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Pathways of Southwestern Pennsylvania, 130 Bill George Drive, Waynesburg, PA 15370.