Obituary of Phyllis F. Block

Phyllis F. Block, age 92, of the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center and previously of the Massry Residence, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 Born in Nadworna, Poland on May 3, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Sender and Flora Blima Friedler. Phyllis immigrated to the United States in 1938 along with her parents, grandmother Hencia and younger sister Rae. They settled in Brooklyn, NY. Phyllis received a BA from Hunter College and a MSW from Wurzweiller School of Social Work, Yeshiva University. She worked as a clinical social worker at Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern, NY. She joined her husband William, a clinical psychologist, in their joint practice Cranford Psychological Associates in New Jersey. Phyllis was married for 61 years to William E. Block, PhD until his passing in 2012. They enjoyed their work, travel to Paris, Israel and cruises and shared an appreciation of art, music and opera. In 1999, Phyllis and Bill moved to Albany, New York. She enjoyed volunteering at The Albany Institute of History and Art, Community Care Givers and Literacy Volunteers. She also enjoyed her monthly book club at the Guilderland Library. Family was important to Phyllis and she always enjoyed visits and holidays. She was a member of Congregation Berith Sholom, Troy, New York and appreciated Jewish culture. Phyllis is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Holly and Alan Fox of Guilderland, New York and daughter Caryn S. Block (John Kalamon), sister Rae Engel, niece Sandy (Harris) Oberlander and nephew Richard (Jill) Engel. Additionally surviving are cousins Michael (Faith) Weisel, Marcia (Jerry) Sarnow, Tracy (Nancy) Weisel, Barbara Meyers and Steven Weisel. Service will be held at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue Albany on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 9:30am The period of mourning will be observed at the home of Holly and Alan Fox, 707 Sachem Circle, Slingerlands, New York on Monday, October 10th from 4 to 6pm The family gives special thanks to the devoted caregivers at the Daughter of Sarah Nursing Center. We appreciate the compassionate care provided to Phyllis and the support offered to Holly and Alan. We also acknowledge the professional care provided by Dr. David Putnam, AMC Endocrine Group and Dr. Joseph Polito. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Phyllis in a special way may make a memorial contribution to Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, New York 12203.