Jerome Robert Black passed away on July 17, 2022; he was 95 years old. He was known as Robert, Bob or J.R. and enjoyed his role as Grandpa Bob.
Robert was born on May 31, 1927 in Corsica, PA, the eldest child of Helen Black Rhodes. Growing up, he was part of an extended family that included his mother, an uncle, his grandparents and step-siblings and half-brothers.
Robert was a proud veteran of the US Navy; he first enlisted in 1944 during World War II when he was 17 years old. He served both at the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Okinawa Invasion, and he was present during Operation Crossroads for the Bikini Atoll nuclear bomb tests. Prior to his 21st birthday, he was discharged but continued as a member of the Naval Reserve. He was called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict and assigned to the USS Wisconsin BB 64 serving until he was discharged in 1952.
In 1954, Robert moved to Ohio and began a 35 year career in Ohio’s oil and gas drilling operations, working 25 years for W.B. Armstrong Drilling, 4 years at NuCorp, and 5 years at Energy Development Corp. He retired in 1989.
Robert was an active member of the Wooster Masonic Temple rising to the 32nd degree and holder of the Scottish Rites. He was also a member of the Wooster United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Irene (Caynor Armstrong) Black whom he married in 1982. He has 3 children from a previous marriage: R.J. (Marty) Black of Wooster, Sheryl (Peter Zajaczkowski) Black of Greenville, SC and Robert (Lisa) Black of Wooster. He is also survived by his 3 step-children: Helen (Dan) Dusschee of Dallas, OR Phyllis (Glenn) Brodie of Bluffton, SC and Warren (Ruthe) Armstrong Jr. of Fresno, CA.
His 12 grandchildren are: Jared Black, Claire (Sam Flynn) Zajaczkowski, Alex Black, Taylor Black, Dustin (Katie) Dusschee, Courtney (Evan Rugland) Dusschee, McKenzie (Ross) Cribbs, Matthew (Jessica) Brodie, Stephen (Brandy) Brodie, Travis Brodie, Warren Armstrong III, and Oliver Armstrong. And he is the great-grandparent of 15 children.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 12:00PM at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., in Wooster with Pastor Jim Cooper officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Wooster Cemetery.
Friends will be received 2-hours prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday, with a Masonic service beginning at 9:45AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org, the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org, or to the Wooster United Methodist Church, 243 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.
The family wishes to thank Brenda and Jeff Troyer, gracious neighbors who helped Robert and Mary, especially during the Covid epidemic.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
American Heart Association at www.heart.org, the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org, or to the Wooster United Methodist Church, 243 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.
Friends will be received 2-hours prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday, with a Masonic service beginning at 9:45AM.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 12:00PM at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., in Wooster with Pastor Jim Cooper officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Wooster Cemetery.
To Mary and the entire family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. A true Patriot and Gentleman in all regards. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with Bob, and will always fondly remember them.
Sincerely,
Tony D’Intino
Mrs. Black, R.J &.Marty and entire family,
We are o sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a good and caring neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. You have our sincere sympathy.
Bob was a very good customer of Sandy Supply and Wooster Tool back in the 80s and he was always friendly and respectful of everyone. I will never forget that. My condolences to his family.
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family.