Dr. Milton H. Black M.D.

1937 - 2025

Dr. Milton "Mickey" Henry Black, M.D., died at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Judith; children, Michael Black (Michael Crowdes), Lanie Black Timko (Mark Timko), Robert Black (Kendra Penski), and Scott Black (Chelsea Klimo Black); 11 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert; his mother, Hilda; and his sister, Phyllis (Wolf). He was born on Sunday, Sept. 5, 1937, in St. Louis, MO, to Hilda and Albert Black. He spent his grammar school and high school years in Pittsburgh, graduating from Taylor Allderdice in Jan. 1955. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958 with a B.S. in Chemistry, and went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School in 1963. He then interned in Memphis, TN, at Baptist Memorial Hospital and then returned to the University of Pittsburgh to complete his residency in anesthesiology and a fellowship in obstetrical anesthesia. Mickey served two years in the U.S. Army, which included spending a year in Vietnam as an anesthesiologist from 1968 to 1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. After Vietnam, Mickey returned to Pittsburgh to practice at Children's Hospital and West Penn Hospital. In 1978, Mickey left anesthesia to work for U.S. Steel Corporation in occupational medicine. Already board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, he became certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in Occupational/Environmental Medicine. Throughout his medical career he served as a clinical associate professor in the departments of anesthesiology and occupational medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. After retiring from U.S. Steel, Mickey spent several years as a consultant to the U.S. Departments of Energy and Labor. Mickey met his future wife, Judy, in 1967 in a delivery room at Magee Women's Hospital, where she was a student nurse and he was completing his fellowship in OB anesthesia. They married in Dec. 1970. Mickey supported Judy's dream of becoming a physician herself, which began when she started medical school in 1970. He was proud of her success in medical school and ability to combine the role of mother and practicing physician. Mickey was truly a life partner to Judy for over 54 years and will always be remembered by her for being her biggest supporter and best friend. In 1972, Mickey started his most important job, being a dad, with the birth of his first son, Michael. The children will most remember their father for his endless puns, his witty sense of humor, his contagious laugh, his generosity, his rarely missing their sporting events (and there were a lot), his selflessness, and most importantly, his relentless commitment and his love for his family. He never hesitated to drop everything to be there and meet the needs of his children. They learned from their father lessons they carry into their own parenting and most valued relationships: being part of the bookend routines of the children's days, being a touchstone of connection and presence in the mundane routines of everyday life, and the importance of laughter and not taking oneself so seriously. In a world full of noise, Mickey was the quiet voice of reason for many, especially his children. They will miss his wisdom, calm, and nonjudgmental presence. Mickey allowed his children to be their true authentic selves, supporting their dreams and giving them the courage to reach beyond their limits. His kids will look back fondly on the quiet times spent with him watching movies, talking about the market, and seeing him interact with his grandchildren (and granddogs). Although Mickey was a knowledgeable and skilled investor in financial markets, all that he invested in the raising of his four children will surely provide the richest of dividends in generations to come. If so inclined, donations can be made to the Jewish Healthcare Foundation for improving care for those experiencing serious life-limiting illness. Jewish Healthcare Foundation, 625 Liberty Ave., Suite 2500, Pgh, PA 15222. Arrangements entrusted to RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL INC. www.schugar.com.