The Village of Virginia Gardens shared the sad news of the passing of the beloved Councilman, Richard Block. Here’s the announcement from the Village of Virginia Gardens:
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Village of Virginia Gardens announces the passing of our beloved Councilmember Richard Block, who courageously battled cancer and passed away last night, Sunday, January 11, 2026, and is now at peace in heaven.
Richard dedicated decades of his life to serving our community with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. Born on November 14, 1942, he earned his degree in Inter-American Relations from Fordham University and went on to serve honorably as a Captain in the United States Air Force, specializing in signal intelligence. After his military service, he built a successful career as a business owner, including 20 years operating a water well drilling company in Ecuador, South America.
At age 57, Richard embraced a new calling in human services, working with the Florida Department of Children and Families and later bringing that same dedication to public office. He began his service to Virginia Gardens in 1989 on the Beautification Committee, where he chaired efforts to preserve our tree-lined streets and unique village character. In 1995, he was elected to Council and went on to serve our residents faithfully for decades, including terms as Council President. Throughout his tenure, Richard worked tirelessly to maintain essential services, keep taxes low, secure grants for critical infrastructure such as drainage improvements, and represent our Village at the county, state, and national levels.
Beyond his many accomplishments, Richard’s greatest pride was his family — his beloved wife, Esther, his children, and his cherished grandchildren — who were the guiding light of his life.
Richard’s legacy of leadership, service, and devotion to community will forever live on in the Village of Virginia Gardens. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment and the lasting impact he made on our Village.
Please keep the Block family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
❤️ Thank you, Councilmember Block, for your service, your strength, and your love for Virginia Gardens. You will be deeply missed.”
I had the pleasure of interacting with Councilman Block on multiple occasions and he always had a positive attitude and incredible passion, not only for Virginia Gardens, but the entire Miami Springs and Virginia Gardens community. Block was also a champion for veterans and helped make the war memorial upgrade a reality.
The community lost a good one. He will sorely be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Block’s loved ones as they cope with this incredible loss.
