The long, storied life of our father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend ended Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Born in Berlin, Germany in 1924, Manfred Bloch was three weeks shy of his 97th birthday. In 1935, he fled Nazi Germany with his immediate family and spent his adolescence in Palestine. He served in the British Forces during WWII, and then in the Israeli Army when Israel declared its independence from Great Britain. In Massachusetts, he graduated from Lowell Tech and continued his education at MIT. In 1969, after working in industry, Manfred established a successful commercial drapery manufacturing company. In 1984, he mentored his son, Robert, to grow the business which is now BEI Window Coverings and Interiors, headquartered in Newport News.

He was married to Sonya (VanDam) Bloch for more than 66 years. His children: Heidi, Harry (Renée), and Robert (Darcy), his six grandchildren: Lauren (Seth), Brian, Elisa, Hilary, Perry (Rachel), and Ely, and his two great-grandchildren: Lylah and Abram, and special and only nephew, Dr. Peter Tarnowski, will all miss his inspiring presence, devotion to his family, and his wise counsel.

A private graveside service will be held on Friday, July 23 followed by a service for family and friends at Temple Sinai, 11620 Warwick Blvd in Newport News, beginning at 12:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Sinai, The VA Living Museum, or CHKD.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.