Obituary of Philip Russell Black

Philip Russell Black Sr., 84 of Belfast, ME passed away peacefully on June 5th, 2015 holding hands with his wife and surrounded by his children at Waldo Co. General Hospital in Belfast. Phil was born March 27, 1931 in Sullivan ME, to Dr. Russell S. and Dorothea F. (Goodwin) Black. He attended early elementary schools in Newport, RI then transferred to Belfast schools, graduating from Crosby High School in 1950 after which he attended Kents Hill. Phil attended University of Maine Orono prior to entering the Navy in June of 1951 with an honorable discharge in June 1955. Phil served as a Combat Veteran in Korea and as a U.S. Navy Corpsman serving the Marines as a Medic on the front lines. His most significant duty was Bainbridge, MD and Triplar Hospital in Hawaii. Upon Phil’s return from service he managed Kilroy’s Store in Rockland. He was also a medical personnel at Ellsworth Memorial Hospital. On June 18, 1960 at the First Church in Belfast, Phil married Susan P. Clark of Belfast. The Black’s moved to Boston, MA where Phil attended Bentley College of Finance. Upon completion they returned to Belfast where they began their life and family. Phil and Sue became very active members of the community. They became members of the Jaycee organization where Phil became a local and state officer working on various projects such as the Broiler Festival BBQ and parade, The Muck ‘clean up’ and the street sign committee. In 1977 Phil & Sue opened and operated Western Auto on Main St in Belfast. After closing the store, Phil began his career in medical sales thru out Eastern Maine, opening MOS in Auburn; Breathe Easy from Bangor and retiring from Coastal Med Tech of Ellsworth. Phil was a charter member of the Robert Collar Choral which later became Pen Bay Singers. In 1980 he and Sue organized the Bay Area Motorcycle Club and went on to enjoy riding for the next 20 years attending many state, national and international functions. The Black’s last mode of recreational transportation was a motor home which they used to enjoy campfires with family and friends from all over the country. Phil was Raised in Timothy Chase Lodge # 26 which later became Belfast Lodge #24. He was a member of Waldo Chapter #7 Royal Arch Masons and Palestine Commandery #14 Knights Templar. Phil was a very proud member of the Anah Shrine of Bangor, and a member and past President of the Waldo County Shrine Club. He sang with the Anah Chanters and served as an Aide for Potentate Charles Kennedy. Most recently he served as a Greeter. He was also a very active Anah Kamper serving as the Scout for many years. Phil was predeceased by his parents; brother Bruce Robert; Aunt Eleanor Hastings of Ellsworth; niece Judith Black; brother-in-law Donald S. Clark Jr. and wife Mary Esther. Phil is survived by his loving wife of 55 years; daughters: Dorothea Anne (Duffy) and husband Tom Woods (w/h) of Northport and Barbara Jae (B.J.) and husband Kevin Kent (w/oh) of Landenberg, PA; son Philip R. Black Jr. and wife Bethany of Belmont. His five fabulous grandchildren: Brandy L. Woods and fiancé Randy Abbott of Belmont, Brittany L. Woods of Westbrook, Kyle A. Black and fiancée Erica Leach of Belmont, Spencer David and Parker PHILIP Kent of Landenberg, PA. Four fantastic great grandchildren: Emily and Ethan Abbott, and Jonathan and Kolton Black all of Belmont. Two brothers: James A. Black and David F. & wife Mary Black all of Belfast. Cousins Brian & Gail and Kent & Jill Hastings of Sullivan and Sorrento ME. Many nieces and nephews; and very special extended family Alan Hamm, Tracey Lavender and Todd Hamm of New Hampshire. Celebration of life will be held at the First Church of Belfast on June 13, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with reception following at the Waldo County Shrine Club on Northport Ave., Belfast. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Anah Shriners - ‘Building for the Future’ or Shriners Hospital for Children c/o Anah Shrine, 586 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401.