1917-2010
William T. Black, 92, formerly of Laporte, Pa., and a resident of Rose View Court, Williamsport, Pa. for several years died there on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. Born September 21, 1917, at Rutherford Heights, Pa., he was the son of the late James A. Black and Helen Morris Black.
William was a 1935 graduate of Swatara Township High School, now Central Dauphin School District. On July 8, 1943 he married the former Mary Louise Pickett of Laceyville, Pa. She preceded him in death in 2002.
William is survived by three children, Christina L. Keller (Neil F.) of Jersey Shore, LTC(R) James A. Black (Elizabeth P.) of Fayetteville, N.C. and Paula J. Holcombe (Richard J.) of Laporte. There are three grandchildren, Sara K. Holcombe, Philip S. Holcombe and Della E. Black.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, James M. Black; and three sisters, Agnes A. E. Black, Rosalia B. Armstrong and Tullis F. Trayer.
After graduating from high school, William was a pitcher for several Minor League professional baseball teams including the Harrisburg Senators, Batavia Bees and Jamestown Pirates. In 1941, William left baseball to return to defense work at Harrisburg Steel Company where he became a foreman.
In 1945, William and Louise moved to Laceyville where he was employed by Whipple Brothers Lumber Company. He later became the plant foreman at Muncy Valley Industries, Muncy Valley, Pa. and in 1949 the family moved to Laporte. William retired in 1982 as manager of North Anson Reel Company, now Sonoco Products, Newberry, Pa. After retirement he was employed for several years as a land use officer for Sullivan County.
In 2007, William received his 60 year Masonic pin. He was a member of the Muncy Lodge. He had also been a member of the Laporte United Methodist Church, Laporte Volunteer Fire Company, Sullivan County Historical Society, Eagles Mere-Laporte Lions and the Sullivan County Republican Committee.
As a Sullivan County resident, Mr. Black was very involved in community affairs. He was instrumental in forming and coaching the Laporte Red Sox Little League team, served for 25 years as a PIAA basketball official, was a member and president of Laporte Borough Council, member and president of the Sullivan County School Board, representative to the BLaST Intermediate Unit Board and served on the Muncy Valley Hospital Board.
A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Laporte, at noon on Saturday, August 28, 2010. Following the service family and friends are invited to a luncheon in his honor at the Laporte Fire Company on Maple St., Laporte.
Committal services will be at the Lacey Street Cemetery, Laceyville, Pa., at the convenience of the family.
The family will provide the flowers and suggests contributions in William's memory be made to the Laporte Fire Company, P.O. Box 31, Laporte, PA. 18626 Attn: Treasurer.
Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, Pa.