Kathleen "Kate" Mary Block (née Costello) peacefully passed away at the age of 72 on July 19, 2024, after bravely facing complications from emergency surgery.
Kate was born on February 28, 1952, in the Bronx, NY, to John "Jack" and Rita Costello. Growing up in Emerson, NJ, alongside her sister, Colleen and brother, John. She attended Assumption Elementary School in Emerson, NJ and the Academy of the Holy Angels high school in Demarest, NJ.
In 1986, Kate relocated with her three children, Sean, Brendan, and Caitlin, from Bellerose, NY, to Westwood, NJ, where they lived close to her siblings and shared memorable summers in Spring Lake, NJ, with her parents. During this period, she returned to school, pursuing higher education at St. Thomas Aquinas College and dedicated herself to teaching blind and visually impaired children.
In 1998, Kate married Steven Block of Independence, MO, and began a new chapter in her life in Missouri, alongside her daughter, Caitlin, and stepdaughter, Megan. In 2006, Kate and Steve moved to Sarasota, FL, to be nearer to family, where she enjoyed 18 years filled with cherished moments with her loved ones and a wide circle of friends.
Kate is survived by her husband, Steven Block; her devoted children, Sean McGettigan and his wife, Kristin, Brendan McGettigan and his wife, Elizabeth, and Caitlin McGettigan; stepchildren, Dana Block-Abraham and her husband, Allistair Abraham, Megan Block and her husband, Max Slater; grandchildren Aiden McGettigan, Quinn McGettigan, Avery Abraham, Claire McGettigan, Olivia McGettigan, Austin Abraham, Levi Slater, Benjiman Slater, and Samantha Slater; siblings Colleen Adler and John Costello.
A Celebration of Kate's life will be held at 10 AM on August 8, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 833 Magellan Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and friends will forever be remembered.
