Richard A. BLACK, 96, of Wellsville, NY, went to be with his Lord on Monday May 22nd after a brief illness at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Born August 15, 1926, on the family farm on Wadsworth Hill in the Town of Ward, he was the son of Aaron Orlando and Marguerite Carr Black. 

A 1944 graduate of Scio Central School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and took boot camp at Sampson Naval Training Station.  He served as a member of the Navy gun crew (U.S. Navy Armed Guard) aboard a merchant ship during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.  

On December 29, 1951, in Olean, he married the former Edith M. Skiver, who predeceased him on August 12, 2008. 

He went to work for NY Telephone Co. in 1946 and retired from Verizon in 1989 after 43 years of service.  Dick always enjoyed his many years with the phone company as an installer/repairman, serving and helping people. 

He was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, member of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 in Wellsville, First United Methodist Church of Wellsville, and a former member of the Masonic Lodge. 

He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. 

Surviving are:  two sons, Richard W. (Jeanne) Black of Greenbush, VA and James A. (Lillia) Black of San Diego, CA;  four grandchildren, Brian (Nancy) Black of Andover, Corey (April) Black of Eden, MD, Jeffrey Black of Newport News, VA, and Nicole Black of Austin, TX;  five great-grandchildren, Bryce, Brandon, Tianna, Lucas, and Kali;  nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by four brothers, Kenneth Carr Black, Norman Edward Black, Neil Orlando Black, and Robert Lyle Black. 

Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 1:00 PM.  Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery, Scio.  

Memorials may be made to the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.