Henry W. Bloch, philanthropist and co-founder of H&R Block Inc., passed away Tuesday, April 23, at the age of 96. A full obituary appears in the obituary section.
“Henry loved the city, and he constantly wanted to give back to Kansas City. He wanted this to be a place where kids would want to come back and live because it’s a world class city. He believed in a city that offers great cultural arts, education and healthcare; and a community where people can lead rich Jewish lives. He repeatedly demonstrated this in his work and in his generosity,” said Michael Abrams, board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
Although retired, Bloch worked daily on his many philanthropic endeavors in Kansas City, including the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Saint Luke’s Hospital and the H & R Block Foundation.
In the Jewish community, The New Reform Temple is home to the Marion and Henry Bloch Religious School. In 2015, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy honored the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation in recognition of its generous support of HBHA and many other important Kansas City institutions.
In addition, The Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award is given out yearly by the Jewish Community Relations Bureau at its annual Human Relations Dinner.
“Henry is recognized as having set the standard for community activism and community involvement,” noted a JCRB press release promoting the dinner. “Henry’s quiet and humble generosities of spirit and concern have touched almost every aspect of our civic life. He remains a role model in the pursuit of justice and an inspiration to the citizens of our metropolitan area.”
Every year the JCRB honoree received a personal call from Bloch informing him or her of the honor, noted JCRB Board Chairman Jason Krakow.
“The honorees who received that call from Henry described it as one of their most life-touching moments. The awe they felt by being recognized and connected to Henry and his name was inspiring,” Krakow said.
To learn more about the life of Henry Bloch, visit rememberinghenrybloch.com.