Henry W. Bloch
Henry W. Bloch | |
---|---|
Born | Henry Wollman Bloch July 30, 1922 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
Died | April 23, 2019 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | (aged 96)
Education | Southwest High School |
Alma mater | • University of Michigan • University of Missouri–Kansas City |
Occupation(s) | Founder and businessman |
Known for | Co-founder of H&R Block |
Spouse | Marion Helzberg |
Children | 4 |
Relatives | Richard Bloch (brother) |
Henry Wollman Bloch (July 30, 1922 – April 23, 2019) was an American businessman and philanthropist who was the co-founder and (since 2000)
Early life and education
Bloch was born to a
Career
In 1945, following
As Henry often explained in interviews, the misspelling in their corporate name of their surname was to reflect their family's proper pronunciation, as opposed to "blahch" or "blowch". By 1962, H&R Block became a public company, and in 2019, there are more than 12,000 H&R Block offices.[5] Bloch himself became a fixture for many years in television ads, delivering slogans like "Don't face the laws alone."[6]
Personal life and honors
In 1951, Bloch married Marion Helzberg; they had four children: Robert Bloch, Thomas Bloch, Mary Jo Bloch Brown, and Elizabeth Bloch Uhlmann
In 1980, Bloch received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.[8]
The Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain
Bloch was inducted into the Junior Achievement's U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 2001.
I've always wanted to do something different, something more than just a job, something to contribute to society.[5]
— Henry W. Bloch
Death
Bloch died in Kansas City on April 23, 2019, in hospice care at the age of 96.[6] He was remembered by Jeff Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of H&R Block Inc. as a model for entrepreneurs. "Through his honesty and integrity, Henry embodied the best of American business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. His vision lives on through H&R Block associates and the many philanthropic organizations that he supported."[5]
See also
- List of entrepreneurs
- List of people from Kansas City, Missouri
- List of University of Michigan alumni
References
- ^ a b c d "Bloch biography". H&R Block. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012.
- ^ a b "Founders | H&R Block". Tax Information Center. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ "H&R Block". Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
- ^ "Henry Bloch, H&R Block's Co-Founding TV Pitchman, Dies at 96 - Article". April 23, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Henry W. Bloch Press Release". Remembering Henry Bloch. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
- ^ a b Hershey, Jr., Robert (April 23, 2019). "Henry W. Bloch, Tax-Preparation Pioneer (and Pitchman), Is Dead at 96". The New York Times. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
- ^ Legacy: "Marion Helzberg Bloch" Published in Kansas City Star on Sept. 26, 2013
- American Academy of Achievement.
- ^ "City of Fountains – Find a Fountain". City of Fountains Foundation. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
- ^ "About Us – Fast Facts". Henry W. Bloch School of Management, University of Missouri–Kansas City. Retrieved October 1, 2013.