On March 18, 2023, Stephen J. Block, 71, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family following a brief illness.
Steve was the son of Gloria and Allen J. Block. He was born and raised in Kansas City. He was a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School and Carnegie Mellon University. After earning his degree, he returned to Kansas City to work with his father and brothers, Ken and Michael, in the family’s real estate business, which is now known as Block Real Estate Services.
He loved working with his father, brothers, and later, his son, Max. Over nearly 50 years, he was instrumental in numerous real estate development and investment projects in Kansas City and around the country. Steve was committed to development in Kansas City’s urban core, and he worked relentlessly on several midtown redevelopment projects. More recently, he and his brother Ken developed 46 Penn Centre on the Country Club Plaza, which was the culmination of his dream to build the company’s headquarters in the center of the city he loved.
He played golf every Saturday for over 40 years with his lifelong friends. He was an excellent cook, and looked forward to preparing the Thanksgiving meal for his family every year. He was an accomplished scuba diver and underwater photographer. He followed the Kansas City Chiefs from the team’s inception, and there was not a home repair that he could not do himself.
More than anything, Steve was devoted to his family, and most of all to his wife of 33 years, Suzy. He and Suzy loved to travel together and to spend time with friends and family in their home. He adored and was proud of their children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Suzy Block; their children and their spouses, Leigh and Constantine Farmakidis and Max and Katie Wasserstrom; his brothers, Kenneth G. Block (Lisa) and Michael R. Block (Kerry); and four grandchildren.
The family would like to thank their friends and family for their support, Steve’s incredible team of physicians, his wonderful caregivers, and especially Nancy Birenboim for her medical expertise and love as a sister.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 3:30 p.m. at the New Reform Temple, 7100 Main Street, Kansas City, MO. A Shiva service will follow at Oakwood Country Club, 9800 Grandview Road, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to Operation Breakthrough or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
