David Graham Black, Jr
David Graham Black, Jr. of Pelham, NY, born in New York City,
and departed Sunday, January 22, 2017 at the age of 93, for his final
permanent fishing trip, leaving from Mount Vernon, NY. His wife,
Elizabeth, was at his side. There will be two memorial celebrations of
his life: the first at Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham, NY, on
Saturday, March 25th, 2017, at 10:30am. The second will be at Geddie
Memorial Church in Springbrook, PEI, Canada, on Saturday, August 5,
2017 at 2pm, during which his ashes will be interred. In lieu of
flowers, donations to MIT will be greatly appreciated (details at
bottom). The family wishes to express special gratitude to Jim Donahoe
of Pelham, NY, for his extraordinary attention to Dad for the last
several years which made a tremendous difference in Dad’s
life, helping him stay socially engaged.
Known as “Dave”, he was a:
Woodworker –
Well known among friends and family for his many wooden creations –
bowls, lamps, platters, boxes, games, tools, decorations, toys, and
marquetry. This was a favorite hobby he practiced summer and
winter in PEI and Pelham and had well equipped shops in each
location.
Rotarian – District Governor for New York City, Westchester
County NY, and Bermuda Made contacts and friendships all over the
world. Worked on Eradication of Polio project and got Polio reduced to
being present in only two countries
Angler – One of the
‘spiritual’ leaders of the Anglers Club of NY – he
was famous for his good spirits and hilarious joke telling, as well as
his love of a good glass of spirits. Victorious in the face of
numerous Salmon Emergencies in New Brunswick and
Quebec.
Huguenot Memorial Church – Choir for many years, but never a
soloist – he relied on others for cover. Deacon of the church, Sunday
school teacher, mostly when James and Andy were in need of extra
‘attention’ (read ‘a warden’)
Saint Andrews Society of New York – President of the Society,
‘Spiritual’ Leader – again with the Scotch and
jokes!!
New York-ophile – Dad loved the hubbub and energy of the Big
Apple.
Born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens, he
spent most of his life in the NY City area. He didn’t
hesitate to remind Andy when the Yankees beat the Red
Sox.
PEI-ophile – Dad discovered Prince Edward Island, Canada,
thru his uncle, and fell in love with it and later, one of its
maidens. He visited PEI well over 60 times from 1952 thru 2015 and was
a summer resident in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.
Dad made countless friends among the locals and CFAs during his many
visits, and stayed connected with many via phone or letter over the
winter.
Sailor & Traveler – Dad started sailing during
university days at MIT in dinghies, eventually he owned a couple of
larger sloops. He finished his sailing career by financially
supporting and crewing on the Schooner Brilliant of Mystic, CT. He
earned a Navigator certificate with top marks, and crewed on a passage
of Brilliant from Nova Scotia to Mystic. Dad traveled much of the
world, from Spitsbergen to Antarctica and numerous points in
between.
Gardener – Dad loved his rhododendrons and azaleas, as well
as the vegetable garden.
Engineer, Inventor, Education Supporter – Earned a Bachelor
of Science in Electrical Engineering from MIT. Started his career as
an engineer for Bell Telephone, was Coordinator of Research at Brown
University and finished as Senior Vice President of Research
Corporation. He worked with and supported inventors and
researchers throughout his career. Strong supporter of education. He
donated scholarship money to others, and very generously to MIT for
engineering education
Son, Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather,
Great-grandfather.
Dave was predeceased by his mother,
Agnes Willard, his father David Graham Black, his brother Andrew
Black, and his first wife Sheila Saxton Black (mother of Patricia,
David, Bruce, and Doreen).
Dave is survived by: His wife
and love of 53 years, Mary Elizabeth Black (mother of Andrew and
James) of Burlington, PEI. His brother Hector N. Black and
Sisters-In-Law Elaine Black, Doris Williams, and Phelicia Johnstone.
Daughters Patricia I. Swift and Doreen S. Black, sons David G. Black
III, Bruce W. Black, Andrew J. Black, and James M. Black, and
daughters-in-law Liza Black, JoAnn Black, and Paula Black.
Grandfather to 8. Great Grandfather to 13.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the unrestricted scholarship
fund “MIT Annual Fund”, Cambridge, MA with a memo
“David Graham Black, Jr.” will be greatly
appreciated. Via internetat: https://giving.mit.edu/DavidBlack
Via US Mail at: MIT Annual Fund, 600 Memorial Drive, W98-200,
Cambridge, MA 02139-4822 Via Phone at: 617.253.8270
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de David Graham Black, Jr.source
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