Stuart Lee Block

He lived a life defined by entrepreneurship, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community.

Beloved husband of Marie (Tillinger) Block. Cherished father of Stacy (Brian) Weinberg and Lauren (Brad) Beigle. Proud and devoted Zayda of Myles and Jordan Weinberg and Zayde of Zach and Zoey Beigle. Loving son of the late Ann and David Block. Dear brother of the late Barbara Cohen. Beloved brother-in-law of Helen Tillinger (Michel Carpentier), Kathy Tillinger, and Jenny (Howard) Levitin. Loyal friend to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Stuart was the son of a homemaker and a pharmacist. As a young man, Stuart worked at the pharmacy, serving customers at the soda fountain, delivering prescriptions, and learning firsthand the value of hard work, compassion, and community service. He then attended Indiana University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. A talented hockey goalie, Stuart later became a youth hockey coach, sharing his love of the game with the next generation. In Fort Wayne, it seemed everyone knew Stuart—and those who knew him never forgot him.

Shortly after their marriage, Stuart and Marie moved to St. Louis in pursuit of a new business opportunity. There, Stuart acquired Cash's Scrap Metal & Iron, a small operation with just one employee and a single forklift. Through extraordinary vision, determination, and an unmatched ability to build lasting relationships, he transformed the business into one of the region's leading scrap metal companies. Cash's became nationally recognized and was featured twice on Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, where Mike Rowe joined Cash's employees in operating heavy equipment and dismantling a barge on the Mississippi River. Cash's also played a significant role in recycling materials from the demolition of the Busch Stadium II, reflecting Stuart's pride in contributing to projects that shaped the St. Louis community. By the time he sold the company in 2011, Cash's employed more than 100 people across multiple locations.

Although Stuart possessed a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, it was his character that defined him most. He believed relationships mattered more than transactions and measured success not by what he accumulated, but by the lives he touched. He treated everyone with dignity and respect, whether they were lifelong friends, employees, customers, or someone he had just met. His generosity knew no bounds, and he had an extraordinary gift for making people feel valued, welcomed, and genuinely important.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. Stuart adored Marie and was her devoted partner for more than 48 years. He took immense pride in his daughters and treasured every moment with his grandchildren. Whether celebrating birthdays, attending sporting events or activities, traveling together, or simply enjoying family dinners, nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by those he loved.

Believing deeply in the importance of giving back, Stuart generously shared his time, leadership, and business expertise with organizations that strengthened the St. Louis community. He served in leadership roles with Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, Shaare Emeth Temple, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer, the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, the Maryville University Board of Trustees, and the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.

He was also a longtime supporter of the Police Athletic League, helping create opportunities for underserved youth throughout the St. Louis region. He co-chaired the Kids Rock Cancer benefit concert at The Sheldon Concert Hall, supporting innovative music therapy for children undergoing cancer treatment. Together, Stuart and Marie helped fund the construction of a fully accessible playground at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, creating a place where children of all abilities could play together.

In recognition of his contributions to education and the community, Stuart received the Missouri Horace Mann Friend of Education Award. He also was presented with the Richard Weiss Presidents’ Award from the Jewish Community Center for his outstanding leadership.

More than anything, Stuart will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, infectious personality, and unwavering generosity. He built successful businesses, but his greatest legacy is the countless lives he touched through his friendship, mentorship, compassion, and willingness to help others. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral service Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Rd. 63141. Interment immediately following at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Rd. 63123.

In lieu of flower’s, donations in Stu’s memory are preferred to Men's Group Against Cancer, the Jewish Community Center, Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Shiva, a gathering for family and friends following the funeral, will be held at Meadowbrook Country Club on Sunday from 5:30 – 8:30 PM.