On Sunday, June 28, 2020, John William Black, Jr. of Bluffton S.C, formerly of New Milford, CT, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by loving family.
John was born in Marysville, PA on May 28, 1938, to parents John William Black Sr. and Beatrice Ocker. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in Texas with sister Carolyn Sites and half-brother Ronald Reed, until the family moved back to Marysville, PA where he finished high school. He then joined the United States Air Force and served our country as an airman second class from 1955 to 1959.
On June 17, 1985, John married the love of his life, Marianne Robertshaw, in Hawaii. They spent the last 35 years traveling around the globe and spending time with family and friends.
John graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from State University of New York, Stonybrook. His engineering career included years at Perkin Elmer, and Branson Ultrasonic, where he received the prestigious Emerson Technology Award for Technical Achievement, which recognizes an individual who makes a significant engineering project a success. He also worked at Remington Products and contracted for many years at different subsidiaries of United Technologies.
John was the consummate gentleman, loved by family, friends, and neighbors. He was a race car enthusiast and had a passion for fixing and rebuilding Porsche’s and BMW’s. He loved traveling the world with Marianne, and he enjoyed hiking, walking and taking photos of nature. He was a member of the Sun City community photography club, computer club, and volunteered for security services.
He is survived by his spouse Marianne Black, his son John William Black III, his stepchildren Susan Pigat and Michelle Mason (Craig), and grandchildren, Timothy Mason, Robbie Pigat, Tyler Mason, and Samantha Mason. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Sites.
He is predeceased by his parents John William Black and Beatrice Ocker, and his half-brother Ronald Reed.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday, July 7th at 7pm, on Lake Somerset in Sun City, Bluffton, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Compassus Living Foundation for Hospice and Palliative Care, Ridgeland, SC.
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