Obituary of Gordon W. Black

Gordon W. Black, 86, a lifelong Jamestown resident, passed away May 16, 2017. Born on November 13, 1930 to the late Warner W. and Gerda Andressen Black, he graduated from Jamestown High School in 1948. Gordie was active in baseball and the Braw Caddie Clan at JHS and remained the treasurer of the Class of 1948. He continued his education and baseball career at Allegheny College, graduating in 1953 while a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. After his college graduation, Gordon served his nation in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He returned to Jamestown and spent his working career at Blackstone, Crescent Tool, Falconer Metal Specialties, and Dowcraft in purchasing and sales positions, retiring in 1995. Gordie dedicated much of his time to community service. During his lifetime he was active on various boards, including the Jamestown Rotary Club, where is he honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, the United Way, as a past president, Moon Brook County Club, the AAA of Jamestown, Family Service, and was a founding member of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Additionally, Mr. Black was a committee member and chairman of the fund drive for the Allen Park Skating facility He also was the chair of the 1972 City of Jamestown Reapportionment Commission. In retirement, Gordie remained active in community service and civic life as a member of the housing and foundation boards of Lutheran Social Services and as a Red Cross volunteer. He was also active in the Sportsmans Club, Vikings-Ingjald Lodge #65, the Mount Moriah Lodge F & AM No. 145, the Norden Club, and the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. Mr. Black was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church, where he served as past president of the church council, finance committee, and as an usher. Gordon was loving husband to Sally Nelson Black, who he married in 1958. He was a proud father to Gordon Timothy (Deborah) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Robert Andrew (Julia) of Fairport, New York, and Carolyn M. (James) Lewis of West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was the grandfather of two wonderful young women, Jennifer E. and Claire M. Black of Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. Black was predeceased by his parents and an infant daughter. Gordie will be forever remembered as a loving family man who was committed to making Jamestown a better place to live. Blessed with an infectious sense of humor, proud of his Scandinavian heritage, an avid Detroit Tigers fan, and never one to miss a round of golf, Gordie's passing will leave a void in the lives of many friends and family who have shared in his rich life. A celebration of Gordon's life will be held at a later date to be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials should be made to First Lutheran Church, 120 Chandler Street, or the Lutheran Foundation of Upstate New York, 715 Falconer Street, both in Jamestown, NY, 14701.