David Allen Block

David A. Block, 72, passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on March 29, 2014. He was at home surrounded by his family. David was born in Chicago, IL on December 21, 1941. He lived in Brentwood, CA and Pleasanton, CA before that for many years. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister: Marvin Block, Lillian Dichter Block and Carol Ann Block Harris, also his second wife, Christine Karaba Block. He is survived by his wife, Debra Vontell Grondin Block of Brentwood, CA, his daughters, Merryl Block Brownlow of Oak Park, IL, Denise Grondin Retz of Freedom, CA . His sons, Jason R. Block of San Francisco, CA, Jordan R. Block of Chicago, IL, Brian D. Grondin of Galesburg, IL, Ryan M. Block of Oakland, CA, and Matthew P. Block of Stockton, CA. He is also survived by his first wife, Renee Haskell Leight of Northbrook IL. He leaves behind 3 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is a graduate of Niles East in Skokie, IL. He attended Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, and DePaul University in Chicago. He joined the Navy and became a Plane Captain for an Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron. He was in the Reserves for 6 years.He spent most of his career in insurance, commodity futures, and information management systems. He had a seat on the Chicago Merchantile Exchange and traded on the floor in cattle, hogs, pork bellies, etc. Before retiring in 2005, he was a principle in a software development company in Silicon Valley. He was an avid San Jose Sharks hockey fan. His passion for the sport rubbed off on his 3 younger sons. He was very active in minor hockey for 12 years in the tri-valley and San Jose area. He had a passion for most sports, loved fishing and reading. He was a patriot and loved his country. A memorial service is planned for April 5, 2014 at the Mt. Diablo Events Center, 1700 Trilogy Pkwy., Brentwood, CA at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, MADD Bay Area or your favorite charity.