Richard Bloch

Early business and H&R Block

Richard and Henry Bloch began their venture in the mid‑1950s, building a business model centered on walk‑in offices, trained preparers, and a franchise approach that allowed rapid expansion. For clarity in branding they adopted the simplified spelling Block for the company name. Over time the firm extended beyond storefront tax preparation into complementary services and consumer finance offerings, helping to professionalize tax filing for middle‑class taxpayers.

Philanthropy and cancer advocacy

Bloch survived cancer and used his experience to focus on nonmedical aspects of care: counseling, information, and peer support. He and his wife invested in organizations and a foundation bearing his name that aimed to reduce isolation for people with cancer and to promote early detection and coping strategies. His initiatives emphasized free or low‑cost services, group support, and outreach to underserved populations.

Legacy and impact

Richard Bloch is remembered for two broad contributions: transforming tax preparation into an accessible consumer service and elevating the importance of psychosocial support for cancer patients. The business he co‑founded remains a prominent brand in tax and financial services, and the philanthropic programs he supported continue to influence how communities address survivorship and patient education.

Personal life and death

Bloch died of heart failure on July 21, 2004, at the age of 78. He was survived by his wife, Annette, three daughters—Linda Lyon, Barbara Stanny and Nancy Linsely—and ten grandchildren. For more on the company he co‑founded see H&R Block.