Photo courtesy of Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma
Petaluma, California
May 28, 1946 – Oct 25, 2020 (Age 74)
Wayne A. Black was born on May 28, 1946 to John Curtis Black and Florence Dutra Black of Albany, California. Wayne served in the National Guard. After his service, he worked for Greyhound. In 1971, he took a job with Golden Gate Transit, and retired with 30 years of service. Wayne was a long-time member of the South End Rowing Club in San Francisco. He was an avid handball player and played across the U.S., Ireland, and Canada, where he was a two-time Canadian champion in doubles. He also organized some of the best tournaments at the club. As a swimmer, he helped organize the famed Alcatraz Invitational swims and would pilot as well. He organized both the St. Patrick’s Day events with Irish dancers and singers, and the very festive Christmas galas. He loved to bike and had the opportunity to do so through Portugal. He loved to travel and was able to visit many countries throughout his life. Two of his favorite places on earth were Hawaii and Yellowstone. Wayne revered his Portuguese heritage and every Christmas he would hand out sweetbread and linguica. He was a kind, generous man and helped serve the homeless and volunteered his services with various animal shelters and gave to many charities. Lastly, he loved gardening and rock stacking.
Wayne peacefully passed away with his family surrounding him Sunday evening October 25, 2020. His wife Virginia, stepson Mike, his cherished daughter Trinette, son-in-law Steve, grandsons Bryan and Bradley Neuerburg and dear friends Lee and Carole Cabral survive him.
He will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice by the Bay would be greatly appreciated.
Due to Covid-19, there will be a private family celebration of his life on November 7, 2020.
Read MoreGone, but certainly not forgotten. Wayne, hope you are spreading fun and joy wherever you are.
Jim and Pat Keeney
Jim and Pat Keeney
October 22, 2024 | Avila Beach, CA | Friend
Miss you Wayne, the ambassador and essence of all the St. Paddy's Day South End parties. Wherever you are, we are sure you are still celebrating.
Jim and Pat Keeney
Jim and Pat Keeney
October 22, 2023 | Avila Beach, CA | Friend
I was down at the South End tonight playing handball with a few of the guys. Good time like always but every time I step in that building I can´t help but think of my good buddy Wayne. To me Wayne was the South End. I would tell him that all the time. I´m sure many others felt the same. All those great Tournaments. All those fun times. Great memories! Wayne was a giver with a huge heart! My wife loved Wayne and my kids loved Wayne too. I sure I´m speaking for many. God I loved that guy! AT
A Tico
October 01, 2022 | Friend
Wayne was a wonderful, wild man. Funny, do anything for you and a great South Ender. He was even more generous than I knew. You are missed!
Kate Doyle Brown
December 09, 2020 | Friend
My great great friend and coworker from Golden gate Transit since 71 I miss seeing you at the swim club when I would drop you off your orders for some sauce may you be blessed and resting in peace my brother....
Dennis Santiago
November 05, 2020 | Oakland, CA | Coworker
I mostly enjoyed Wayne's company for 45+ years, GGP, SERC, and especially grateful for all his generosity behind the scenes which benefitted me and thousands of friends, family and colleagues. I can't remember a day that Wayne didn't make me smile with less tangible twists concerning my well planned schemes which failed so completely; shoes, gloves, balls, 'ner played handball to distraction. Wayne's and my S.E.R.C. (from "Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, "Water,...
Greg Clark
November 04, 2020 | Friend
Wayne will be greatly missed at the South End Rowing Club. He was always so helpful to me, and he gave so much of himself to the club. Rest in Peace. Love, Denise Lillian
Denise Lillian
November 02, 2020 | Friend
Wayne Black was a great guy and so fun. He was in his best element at the SERC St. Paddy's Day luncheons. He was an outstanding athlete and handball player. Wayne will be missed!
Jim and Pat Keeney
November 02, 2020 | Avila Beach, CA | Friend
Wayne's generosity, thoughtfulness and love for everyone in the handball community is an everlasting inspiration that I will carry with me forever.
Todd Temple
November 02, 2020 | San Francisco, CA | Friend
