STOCKTON SPRINGS – Gary A. Black died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, at Fletcher Allen Healthcare, Burlington, Vt. He was born April 20, 1938, in Belfast, the son of George and Hazel (Shannon) Black.
He attended Belfast High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962 aboard the USS Decatur. He was employed by St. Regis Paper Co., Bucksport, and lived on the Shannon family farm for many years throughout his adult life. Gary was passionate about flying and earned a helicopter rating, as wells as a private pilot and commercial pilot license. He had a love of the outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling to Alaska, where he lived for a short time.
He is survived by his brother, Bruce Clendenin and his wife, Jane, of Greeneville, Tenn.; his sister, Joanie Kirby and her husband, Bill, of Waldo; his sister, Pat Kendall of Titusville, Fla.; and his four children, Brandon Black of Waldo, Bonnie Black of Essex, Vt., Marsha Black of Burlington, Vt., and Cynthia Black of Waldo. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren; and also leaves several nieces and nephews. The family thanks the staff of Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden County, Vermont Respite House and Fletcher Allen Healthcare for their caring and kindness.
There will be no visiting hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring for family and friends. Those who wish may plant a memorial tree in Gary’s honor or contributions may be made in his memory to Vermont Respite House, care of VNA, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446. Arrangements are in care of Young’s Funeral Home, Searsport.