Wilbur Black

1939 - 2025

Wilbur Black

Whitesboro, NY

Whitesboro - Wilbur Black, 85, passed away May 26,2025.

He was born in Long Lake, New York on December 25, 1939, son of the late Eva & Cloyd Black. He graduated as valedictorian from Long Lake Central School in 1957 and received a BS degree from SUNY, Oswego in 1961, where he majored in lndustrial Arts. While at Oswego he was a member of the Sigma Tau fraternity, Golf team, Newman Club and was involved with the College Yearbook, the Ontarian. Wilbur received his MS degree from Oswego in 1971.

Wilbur taught Driver Education for two years in the Colton- Pierrepont and Parishville-Hopkinton Central Schools. lt was at this time that he met Judith Keib, a Home Economics Teacher, and they were married in July of 1962. He then taught lndustrial Arts for two years in the Van Hornesville and Cherry Valley Central Schools. lt was in September 1965 that he came to Whitesboro to teach lndustrial Arts until his retirement in January, 1995. During that time he served as Chairman of the Industrial Arts Department, coached varsity golf for 28 years, and taught adult driver education and small engine repair. He was active in the Mohawk Valley lndustrial Arts Association, where he held the position of secretary for many years and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1980. He was also active in the New York State Technology Education Association, where he served many years as Central District Vice President. Wilbur was active on the Utica Board of Certified Soccer Officials and the National intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, through which he referred High School and College soccer games for over 30 years. After his retirement he worked for Sears for five years doing small engine repair and continued small engine repair for many years privately with his own business, Will's Small Engine Repair.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending much of this time enjoying the woods, lakes and streams in the back country of the Adirondacks. He loved spending time at their camp on Sacandaga Lake. He was a member of St. Paul's Church and was involved for many years with the Catholic Youth Organization.

Wilbur is survived by his loving wife, Judy, of 63 years, his four children, Michael of Golden, Colorado, Brent of Holland Patent, Courtney (Karl) Swisher of Ballston Spa and Trevor, of Saratoga Springs. He was also a dear Poppy to his grandchildren, Finley, Connor, Morgan, Mathew, Keira, Justin (Jacquelyn) Colden, and Hunter. He is also survived by a sister, Elaine of Long Lake and a brother, Colburn of Long Lake. He was predeceased by sisters Marie and Barbara.

Funeral services will be on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Whitesboro, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated by the Rev. Robert Webber officiating. Interment will be on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM in Glenwood Cemetery in Watertown. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday June 1, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Dimbleby Funeral Homes Inc. 40 Main St. Whitesboro.

ln lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Lung Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dimblebyfh.com