Patrick Joseph Black, 78, of Russell, PA and formerly of Sugar Grove, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the John & Orpha Blair Hospice Residence, Warren, PA.
Born March 30, 1946, in Warren, PA, the son of Lester and Mary Taydus Black, he graduated from Youngsville High School in 1964, Edinboro State College with a B.S Education in 1968, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1971, with a M. Ed. He resided in the Youngsville area until college graduation. He married Susan Rockwell Black on June 11, 1966, and they moved to Sugar Grove in 1968, where they raised their family together. He moved to Russell in 2010.
Pat was a former member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Youngsville American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles in Warren and Knights of Columbus in Youngsville. He was a member of St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in Youngsville, where he served as a member and past president of the pastoral council, taught religious education and served on other committees. He enjoyed many years of playing in softball, bowling and golf leagues.
Pat was proud to be a mathematics teacher at Eisenhower High School from 1969 through 2001, spending his entire 32-year teaching career there. After retirement, he continued to tutor students for many years. While at Eisenhower he was Senior Class Advisor, Student Council Advisor and Math Department Chairman. He also served on many committees for the Warren County School District. In addition to the classroom and academics, he was a dedicated and successful coach, winning several league titles. He coached Girls Basketball for 16 years, Girls Softball for 14 years, starting the team in 1972, and also coached Boys and Girls Bowling at Sugar Bowl Lanes in Sugar Grove. He was a PIAA softball umpire for many years after coaching softball.
Pat was a humble man of faith and integrity, who taught math and life by example. As a partner, parent, grandparent, uncle, teacher, coach he provided unwavering support in all forms. He always had time, patience, encouragement, and guidance for others. To his daughters, grandchildren and students he taught independence, compassion, kindness, grace and forgiveness, and he strived to instill confidence and self-worth in the youth he encountered. He was very proud of his daughters and grandchildren.
Whether you called him husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle Pat, Mr. Black, Coach Black, or Pat, you felt his influence and knew he cared, this impact reached beyond his family, into the classroom, athletics, and the community, building foundations for the future. His compassion to help others, love for his family and dedication to his community will be missed.
Left to cherish Pat’s memory in addition to his life-long spouse and partner, Susan, are daughters Sharon (Kevin) Goode, Erie, PA and Carin (Richard) Giannini, Warren, PA, grandchildren Ellen Morrison, Dominick Giannini, Emma Morrison and Lydia Giannini, sisters Rose Theuret, Youngsville, PA and Nancy Theuret, Garland, PA, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter Janice Novak, sister Mary Meley, half -sisters Fay Tressler, Ella Jane Graham, Donna Graham and Bernice Flasher, half- brothers Homer, Neil, James and Daniel Black, and brothers-in law Gayle Meley, Clare Theuret and Charles Theuret.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East Street Warren PA, on Sunday June 9, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Additional viewing will be held on Monday June 10, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am in the funeral home with the Rev. Rick Rohlin, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations can be made in his honor, to support the Eisenhower community he loved, to IKE Pride (Venmo business account “Eisenhower Pride”), 3700 PA-957, Russell, PA 16345, the Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave, Warren, PA 16365, or a charity of your choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
My deepest and sincerest condolences to the whole family. Pat was an amazing man! I am so very proud to have him as my Godfather! He has and always will hold a very special place in my heart. He and my Dad had a bond that surpassed anything, and it’s been an honor to see that. Rest easy, Pat. You will be missed. My love, thoughts and prayers to the whole family. Thank you for being the BEST Godfather.
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Mr. Black was an awesome teacher. He will be greatly missed. Love to you all.
Sending our sincere condolences to Sue and girls at the loss of Pat. May you stay strong with all the good memories. Bruce and Cindy
Thank you Mr. Black for being a part of my life
Thoughts and prayers, Rose ,Nancy and family. Many memories of growing up on the ” Run”.
Love you Coach!!!
Love you dearly, my friend. Rest easy until we meet again.
To Pat’s entire family-So sorry for your loss. Pat and I had great scrimmages and games against each other at a time when competition was better. Also , I umpired with Pat and played softball against him. I will always remember him like myself- 2 fierce competitors coaching against each other . We had good discussions with each other at the Eagles Club about how the competition in the area got weaker than in the past. RIP my friend and fellow teacher.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Pat was a huge influence in my life as a student and a friend. When I needed him most he was there for me. What a man, always caring, never showing favorites and willing to help any student that came his way. I know of times he helped students in other math classes. He just had a way of explaining things. He had encouraged me to go on to college to become a math teacher and even though I didn’t he would remind me often that I should have. Please know that there are many who grieve right along side of you all. He will be greatly missed. So as you grieve, remember it too is a journey, one that time does not exist the same for all and one that we learn to lean on others. Through their memories as well as your own.
My thoughts & prayers to the family & friends of an amazing man. Thank you Mr. Black for being such a great Teacher, softball coach, bowling coach, and dear friend. Rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of your passing, Pat. May you rest in peace.
Thinking of you!! So very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.
Our condolences go out to Pat’s entire family. Pat always had a smile on his face. Whether it was coaching a team, teaching, or playing softball! He never had a harsh word for anyone. He was the type of man any kid could look up to. He was an asset to his school, team and community. He will surly be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, Pat.
Nancy & Neil Campbell