Allen Black, age 94, was born a twin with Aaron (12/28/27-10/17/16) by his side nearly their entire lifespan. He was born in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania to Edward Black and Anna Hillan Black. The twins and their two beautiful older sisters, Mary and Betty, enjoyed a lively happy childhood. The children were nurtured by a host of caring family members along with their parents, most notably, Aunt Thelma and paternal Grandma Josephine, gave them the security of a loving household. Allen and Aaron’s near identical looks provoked many comic moments in childhood and beyond. For example, they ran track in high school participating in different events, but one bystander saw them as one person, and commented, “Man, slow down! You are gonna kill yourself doing every event!“
Allen and Aaron joined the Navy near the end of World War II and were placed on two different ships. After honorable discharges, both brothers started college at Bucknell Junior College (now Wilkes University) in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Then they transferred to Pennsylvania State University in State College and received bachelors degrees. He remained a lifelong Penn State fan, and heartily enjoyed “tooling around“ with his best friend and twin Aaron. He had high spirits and a jovial, modest manner; he enjoyed adventures and was content with simplicity. He married Marie Parker and enjoyed coupling until her premature death in 1978.
After graduation, Allen went to New Jersey after a colleague told him teachers were needed there. His first job was teaching fifth graders, and he continued teaching preteens until retiring as a teacher in Hightstown, New Jersey circa 1990s. He then married Ruth and worked desk security at a lovely senior living facility for many years as a valued employee. After full retirement, he returned to the Wyoming Valley nearer his roots. He spent his last decade at Fritzingertown in Drums, Pennsylvania near his niece Marianne McMonigle Cooper and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, all siblings, wife, niece Judy Black, and grand niece/nephew Lauren and Ryan Black. Survivors include nieces: Marianne (Grant) Cooper, Shari (Dave) Huray , Aimee (Eric Schwartz) Hill, Robin (Steve) Wadsworth, Margy (Art) Dooley and Nephews: Greg (Marianne) Black, Vince (Caroline) McMonigle, Shawn (Krista) McMonigle.
Also their collective children survive.
A joint memorial Mass will be conducted February 11 at 12:10 PM at Our Lady of the Snows Church in Clarks Summit, PA for Allen and sister Betty who passed on October 27, 2021.
His cremains will reside at Holy Trinity cemetery in Nanticoke with his parents in the Blachewicz family plot.
Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., (East), 699 W. Butler Drive, Drums, assisted the family with the cremation.
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