William L. “Bill” Black, 87, of Port Allegany, formerly of Emlenton, PA, passed away Saturday (December 30, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

He was born April 23, 1936 in Versailles Twp., Allegany County, PA, a son of Thomas Burton Black and Yola LaVerne McCutcheon. On Oct. 19, 1963 in the E.U.B Church, Port Allegany, he married Beverly L. Mantz,  who survives. They were married 60 years.

Bill was a graduate of Port Allegany High School class of 1954. He received a degree from Syracuse University, Alfred State, and Penn State in agriculture science and milk marketing. He worked on the family dairy farm until 1966 when his parents retired to live in Brownsville, TX. He then worked for the former Pierce Glass Co. for 30 years.

Upon his retirement, he grew and sold sweet corn and pumpkins for years. He donated pumpkins over the years to many school classes and organizations for them to do projects with. Bill was very active in church as a lay leader and Sunday School teacher. He and his wife sang together, played the guitar and accordion for many years. He was a member of the former E.U.B. Church of Port Allegany, then upon the closing of the church, he was a member of the Wrights Evangelical Church for 30 years. He surely loved and enjoyed serving his Church and Lord.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

two daughters: Valerie L. (Bret) Phillips and Susan L. (Michael “Mick”) Taylor, both of  Port Allegany

two grandsons: Tyler A. and Ricky M. Phillips, both of Port Allegany

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas B. Black, Jr., one nephew, Timothy P. Black

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, from 10AM-12 Noon, at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 105 Main St., Port Allegany, where funeral services will begin at 12 Noon in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Baldwin and Rev. Michael Culver, co-officiating.  Burial will be in Portage Valley Cemetery, Wrights, PA.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Port Allegany Ambulance Service. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.