Kenneth U. Black, Sr.

Campbell - Kenneth U. Black, Sr., 79, passed away on Monday evening, July 15, 2024, at Park Vista Rehabilitation in Youngstown. 

Kenneth was born August 26, 1944 in Kittanning, PA, a son of the late John and Margaret "Jean" McIntire Black.

Ken was a graduate of Lowellville High School and began working in the steel mill while still in high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served four years, including one tour of duty in Vietnam, before being honorably discharged. Returning to the Mahoning Valley, Ken again began working in the steel mill until its closing. After the mill's closing, Ken chose to reenlist in the Armed Forces again, serving this time in the United States Army. He proudly served his country for another eleven years, until being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which forced him to take early retirement. He retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Ken was a former member of the Canfield American Legion Post 177, and he was very proud of his son Tony, who followed in his footsteps of becoming a Marine. 

In Ken's leisure time, he found joy in fishing at Mosquito and Pymatuning Lakes, tuning into the Cleveland Indians game on the radio, rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Miami Dolphins, and pressing his luck on scratch-off tickets. Ken cherished family time and looked forward to taking his children, nieces, and nephews, to pick black raspberries each summer. He especially adored his title and role of "Papa." 

Ken leaves to carry on his memory, his wife, the former Rebecca DeCola, whom he married January 22, 1977; children, Elizabeth (Jim) Tomory of Hubbard, John Black of Campbell, Kenneth U. Black, Jr. of Youngstown, and Anthony (Sarah) Black of Hampton, VA; siblings, Wayne (Mary) Black, Larry (Debbie) Black, Gary (Joyce) Black, John (Laura) Black, Paul (Marsha) Black, and Kathy (Ed) Bish; seven grandchildren, Chelsey Black, Hunter Tomory, Aden Black, Madilynn Black, Natalie Black, Makenzie Black, and Emily Black; sister-in-law, Ricki Black; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Black, and sister-in-law, Gayle Black.

A Celebration of Life gathering will begin at noon on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Speece Lake, 4858 S. Duck Creek Road, Berlin Center, OH 44401. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Ken's name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org.

Arrangements are by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.