Expressions of sorrow at the death of and tributes to the career of Maurice Bloch, Democratic leader of the state assembly, who died Thursday, were pouring in as preparations were completed for his funeral today. Rabbi Gabriel Schulman and Rabbi Stephen Wise will officiate. State and city political leaders, without regard to party, issued statements among which were the following:
Governor Roosevelt-“I am inexpressibly shocked and distressed to hear of the passing of my old friend and associate, Maurice Bloch. The State of New York loses a high-minded, able and useful public servant. It is particularly hard that he should have been taken in the flower of manhood.
“We shall all of us, regardless of the party, greatly miss him in Albany.”
Herbert H. Lehman, Lieutenant-Governor-“I have been inexpressibly shocked and saddened by the terrible news of Maurice Bloch’s death, which has just come to me. I had understood that he was convalescing rapidly from the recent operation for appendicitis and would be out and about again in a week. The state has suffered a very great loss in his untimely passing. He was a member of the Assembly for sixteen years, and for the last six served as minority leader.
“I wish to convey to his wife and family the sympathy of the people of the State of New York. I mourn his death not only as an associate in public life on whom I always leaned unhesitatingly, but as a true and devoted friend whose memory I shall always cherish.”
Senator Robert F. Wagner-“The news of the sudden death of my intimate friend, Assemblyman Maurice Bloch, was an inexpressible shock to me. When I left New York last Sunday he apparently was on his way to complete recovery from the effects of a recent appendicitis operation. My first thought is, of course, of his devoted wife and beautiful children. In this tragic death they have lost a loving, noble and devoted father and husband. I have lost a loyal friend. The state is deprived of the services of a
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(continued from page 1) distinguished and faithful servant. Though young in years, he already had attained a high place in the affairs of the state and the councils of his party. The highest honors awaited him, only to be stayed by his sad and untimely death. I am grieved beyond expression.”
Ex-Governor Smith-“It is a great shock to me to learn of the death of Maurice Bloch, for many years minority leader of the Assembly. He became minority leader during my administration as Governor, and was faithful, loyal and helpful to the state in every way. New York owes to his ability, courageous leadership and cooperation many progressive reforms of lasting benefit to the state and her people. Of sterling character, he will be missed sorely by the state as well as by his friends. I have the deepest sympathy for his widow and two little children.”
Senator John Knight, President of the Senate-“He was an able legislator; a man of the finest personality. His death is a great loss to his friends and acquaintances.”
Mayor Walker-“Maurice Bloch was one of the finest characters I ever knew. He was able, conscientious, energetic and the very soul of honor. The record of his service in the Legislature reveals that he was the vigorous advocate of every progressive measure put upon the statute books during the last decade. What makes his death more tragic to me is that the future held for him such promise of distinction in a field of activity even broader than that in which he engaged at Albany.”
John F. Curry, leader of Tammany Hall-“His death is a big loss to the Democratic Party in the city and state. He was an able legislator and it is sad that a man with so promising a future should be cut down in the time of his youth and usefulness.”
Joseph V. McKee, Aldermanic President-“It is a severe shock to learn of Mr. Bloch’s death. Maurice Bloch was one of the most splendid characters ever knew. He was devoted to the public service. He brought to the task a clear, keen mind and an energy seldom exceeded. His death is a distinct loss to the City of New York and to the state.”
M. William Bray, Democratic State Chairman-“The Democratic party in New York State suffered a blow in Mr. Bloch’s death. I also regard it a distinct personal loss.”
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