George Block

George L. Block, 88, died peacefully on October 16 of pancreatic cancer in Taos, New Mexico. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, on July 17, 1918 to Albert F. and Margaret Schlichter Block. A 1940 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he married Elizabeth Vogler in 1943. After a distinguished career, they retired to Angel Fire in 1970 and to Taos (Plaza de Retiro) in 2004. He served in World War II on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise and in the Korean War on the battleship U.S.S. New Jersey as gunnery officer, earning the Bronze Star. He later commanded two destroyers and an attack transport in the Atlantic fleet. He came to Albuquerque in 1966 as a Deputy Commander at the Defense Atomic Support Agency. He retired from the Navy in 1970 with 32 years active service. At Angel Fire, he served as president of the property owner's association and helped to establish the Angel Fire Sportsman's Club. He was an avid shooter and hunter. He was a Mason and also a life member of the National Rifle Association. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Elizabeth (Betsy), his son James C. Block and his wife Mary Ellen (Penny) of Mount Hermon, MA, his daughter Nancy E. Mock and her husband B. Kendall of Santa Fe, and Susan J. Sims and her husband Donald M. of Bakersfield, CA, and grandchildren Benjamin N. Block, Michael A. Sims, Abigail E. Block, Brian D. Sims and Margaret J. Block, and cousin Donn W. Block. Services will be held at the United Church of Angel Fire cemetery when the new cemetery is completed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if friends wish, they send contributions to the charities of their choice.