Patrick Joseph Black

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.