Obituaries
James P. Black, 88, Former Swan Point Cemetery Executive
James P. Black of Barrington was a longtime cemetery association official and Rotary Club member; calling hours are Friday.
James P. Black, of Barrington passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013. He was 88.
He was the husband of Susan (Sternberg) Black for more than 62 years. Born in McKeesport, Pa., in the superintendent’s residence at McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery, he was the son of the late James P. and Martha (Taylor) Black.
Black was a 1942 graduate of McKeesport High School and a graduate of Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa. He was a World War II veteran attached to the 73rd Wing of the 20th Air Force, serving in Saipan.
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He succeeded his father as Superintendent of McKeesport Cemetery from 1950 until 1972. In 1972 he was appointed Executive Vice President of Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, where he worked until his retirement in 1992.
He was the Past President of the Cemetery Association of Pennsylvania, the Cemetery Association of New England, and the Cremation Association of North America. Black was Past President of the McKeesport Rotary and an active Rotary member in Providence. He was a member of the Alliquippa Lodge and the Zerubbabel-Duquesne Royal Arch in McKeesport, the Adelphoi Lodge in Providence, the Legion of Honor of the Palestine Temple, and the American Legion.
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In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, James T. Black and wife Bonnie of Rohnert Park, Calif., Robert C. Black and wife Anne of Ringoes, N.J., and Marnee B. Perry and husband Chuck of Bristol, RI. He was the grandfather to Heather A. Black of Arizona, Dr. Robert C. Black of Rhode Island, C. Taylor Black and wife Emily of California, Elizabeth A. Black of New Jersey, and Amanda M. Perry of Rhode Island.
A funeral service for Black will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 10 am in the Chapel at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd. Providence. Burial will follow.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 15, from 4 to 7 pm at the Smith-Mason Funeral Home 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside.
Donations honoring him can be made to Barrington Congregational Church, 461 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806.
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