John W. Black

1924 - 2022

John W. "Jack" Black passed away Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. Jack was born Jan. 15, 1924, in Logan's Ferry, to the late John and Mary Robertson Black. He was raised by his brother and sister as his parents both died before he was six years old. In December of 1941 at age 17, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was based in Georgia working on their forestry projects. He enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1943 and was shipped to France immediately following the completion of basic training. While there, he drove a truck as a part of the logistics team and was frequently requested as a driver/escort for senior military officers. After his military service, Jack worked in the coal mines of Logan's Ferry and Harmarville and eventually saved enough money to buy a tavern in the Parnassus area of New Kensington and called it Jack Black's Bar. He continued to work in the coal mines for a number of years while operating the bar. He married his wife, Lillian, in 1964, and together they eventually owned The Fireside Tavern, The Sixpence Pub and King Kone custard stand, all located in New Kensington. He was predeceased by Lillian, his loving wife of 47 years, in 2011, and was most recently a resident at The Southwestern Center of the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. He was the proud and devoted father of his son, Jason W. Black, in Los Angeles, and Norfolk, Va., his stepson, Neil Kazan, in Bernardsville, N.J., and stepdaughter, Susan Kowalkowski, in New York City. Jack was the grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of four. Jack will always be remembered for his hearty laughter and sense of humor, his overwhelming kindness, generosity and willingness to help anyone in need. Friends will be received from 9 a.m. until time of celebration of life service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, at THE RUSIEWICZ OF LOWER BURRELL FUNERAL HOME, 3124 Leechburg Road at Alder St., Lower Burrell, PA 15068. Private burial will be in Plum Creek Cemetery, Plum Borough. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kindred Hospice, 5315 Campbell's Run Road, Suite 190, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. www.RusiewiczFH.com.