Today we gather with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude, to celebrate the life of Ronald Block; known to all who loved him simply as Ronnie. Ronnie was a devoted husband, a loyal friend, a hard worker, and a man whose kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Above all else, Ronnie was a great husband to his beloved wife, Nancy. Their life together was built on love, laughter, and companionship. Ronnie’s steady presence, gentle spirit, and unwavering support were a constant source of comfort and strength to Nancy. He showed his love through everyday acts of kindness, patience, and care; the kind that truly matter. Ronnie was also deeply loved by his surviving family; including his sister-in-law, Vivian, his brother-in-law, Jerome, his nephew, Michael, and his nieces Eunice, Barbara, Cindy, and Diane. Family meant a lot to him, and he carried those bonds close to his heart. Those who knew Ronnie knew him as a kind and helpful soul; someone who was always willing to lend a hand without being asked. He never made life heavier than it needed to be. Ronnie had a gift for keeping things light, finding humor in the everyday, and approaching life with a positive, easygoing outlook. He was the kind of person who made others feel at ease just by being himself. A proud and hardworking man, Ronnie dedicated 43 years of his life caring for the facilities at the Maurice Lenell Cookie Factory in Norridge, Illinois. He took immense pride in his work and in doing things the right way. Along the way, he made friends and cherished memories; often sharing stories of laughing with coworkers and enjoying a beer together after a long day. And of course, he became known for his incredible collection of holiday cookies, which he generously shared with friends and family, spreading joy one sweet treat at a time. Born and raised in Chicago, Ronnie spent most of his life there before settling in Bloomingdale, Illinois, with Nancy. In 2013, their journey took them somewhere entirely new - Florida. After seeing the ocean for the first time, Ronnie embraced retirement in the paradise of Sarasota, where he spent his final years surrounded by sunshine, friendship, and the simple pleasures he loved. In Florida, Ronnie and Nancy were lucky to become neighbors with Tom and Carole at Gulf Gate Apartments; a friendship that would continue when they all later became neighbors again at the Jefferson Center. Ronnie had a special way of making people feel welcome. Fellow Jefferson Center residents, who became dear friends, remember him as always friendly, always willing to stop and chat, and always impeccably dressed in one of his sharp Hawaiian shirts, with a hint of nice aftershave lingering wherever he went. Living in paradise suited Ronnie well. He loved baseball games, sharing beers, playing bags, taking boat tours, and spending time at the pool and the beach. These moments; simple, joyful, and full of life - are where Ronnie truly shined. At his core, Ronnie was a caring and loving man. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, without hesitation and without expecting anything in return. His generosity, warmth, and genuine nature were not acts; they were simply who he was. Though Ronnie may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on in the memories we hold, the stories we share, and the love he gave so freely. He taught us the value of kindness, hard work, friendship, and enjoying life one day at a time. Ronnie, you were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed. May you rest peacefully, knowing the life you lived made this world a better, warmer place for all of us.