Sara Jane Block

Block, Sara Jane "Janie", age 90, passed away peacefully at her home on April 2, 2009. Janie was born in Ohio, but had made St. Petersburg, Florida, her home for almost 70 years. Janie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 57 years, Robert Leon "Tex" block. She is survived by loving sister-in-law Lucille May and 11 nieces and nephews, most of whom live in Texas. Janie will also be missed by long-time caregiver and friend Clara Triolo and special friends Louise Hall, Marj Trumpy and Jim Simmons. A large circle of friends from the greyhound-racing industry, her neighborhood, St. James United Methodist Church, and her charitable and civic organizations mourn their loss. Janie touched many lives with her Florida sunshine personality and twinkling blue eyes, along with her generosity, wit, and ability to listen. A nature lover, Janie especially liked flowers, birds, and butterflies. She loved traveling and a highlight of each year was traveling to Texas for the Block family Thanksgiving reunion. Janie and Tex were married at the Tampa Dog Track in 1940. While Tex served his country in Australia during World War II, Janie worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" in a California shipyard. For many years, Janie worked alongside Tex feeding and exercising their greyhounds and keeping the kennels clean. Greyhound racing, a career that spanned five decades was always challenging, especially during the early lean years. Tex and Janie raced in Massachusetts in the summer and Florida in the winter. Relocating a kennel of dogs allowed little time for meals in restaurants so Janie always had a large supply of her homemade pimento cheese for them to eat as they drove. Their hard work and perseverance eventually paid off. Highlights of their racing career were Tex's induction into the Pioneer Section of the Greyhound Hall of Fame in 1984 and their prize dog Onie Jones's induction in 1987. Janie was affiliated with The Florida Orchestra, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Hospice of Florida Suncoast, Women's Auxiliary of VFW, St. Anthony's Foundation and All Children's Foundation. In lieu of floral tributes, donations may be made to the Greyhound Hall of Fame, St. James United Methodist Church, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and Gunter Volunteer Fire Department Gunter, TX. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 3, 2009 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. A memorial service will be on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 3 PM at St. James United Methodist Church, 845-87th Avenue North, with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.