H&R Block co-founder, legend of KC entrepreneurism Henry Bloch dies at 96

Henry Bloch’s contributions to Kansas City will last generations, business leaders said Tuesday, as word spread of the H&R Block co-founder’s death.

Richard and Henry Bloch, H&R Bloch

“Henry Bloch was an absolute champion of Kansas City in everything he did,” said Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “From business endeavors involving H&R Block, to his mentorship, to his philanthropy, and most importantly his character, he was an exceptional man. Henry Bloch was part of the fabric of Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

Born July 30, 1922, Bloch died Tuesday.

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Bloch and his brother Richard co-founded H&R Block in 1955. Henry Bloch retired as the company’s chief executive officer in 1992 and as chairman of the board of directors in 2000, according to the company.

Henry Bloch, right, and his son, Tom Bloch, in 2015

Still, Bloch worked daily on his many philanthropic endeavors in Kansas City, including the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Saint Luke’s Hospital and the H & R Block Foundation, the company said in a press release.

Click here to read H&R Block’s salute to Henry Bloch.

“Through his honesty and integrity, Henry embodied the best of American business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. In so many ways, he was ahead of his time and a model for today’s entrepreneur,” said Jeff Jones, president and chief executive officer of H&R Block Inc. “His vision lives on through our H&R Block associates and the many philanthropic organizations that he supported.”

Today we mourn the passing of Henry Bloch. I am truly grateful for his generosity in welcoming me, and sharing with me, as I lead the company graced by his name. We will ensure his heart and spirit live on as we serve others. https://t.co/PGYEqHASsU pic.twitter.com/6mbSkq0Gu3

— Jeff Jones (@jjones) April 23, 2019

Click here to read H&R Block’s announcement of Henry Bloch’s death.

We are celebrating the life of one of our biggest supporters/advocates and namesake Henry Bloch. We are grateful for all he has given us through the years. His legacy will live on forever.https://t.co/8N2jDxLtGc pic.twitter.com/xA6RzWls9p

— UMKC Bloch School (@UMKCBloch) April 23, 2019

Henry Bloch, H&R Block