Robert Benjamin Black

Robert Benjamin Black, 96, of Norwich CT died peacefully at his residence in Elmbrook Village, Bozrah, March 28th after a short illness. 

Robert was the son of Berry and Gladys Black of Dinuba, California where he was born June 8th, 1925.

Following the death of his mother, soon after his birth, he was raised by his grandparents, Benjamin and Nancy Jane Black. Robert spent his early years working on the family farm. After graduating from Dinuba high school in 3 years he attended Reedley Jr College.

The world was in the midst of World War II and after attending college for one year Robert was old enough to enlist and he joined the U S Navy as a submariner. Following bootcamp he went to diesel training school in Chicago. Upon completion of his schooling he was assigned to the USS Catfish SS-339, stationed in Groton, CT. 

While stationed in Groton he took a trip to nearby Norwich, CT where he met the love of his life, Doris Boyd. Robert and Doris were married on April 12, 1945.  Shortly after exchanging their vows, Robert was deployed to the South Pacific for the remainder of the war. Robert did a second tour of duty during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Halfbeak SS-352. 

Following his time in the Navy, having always been mechanically inclined, Robert went to work for IBM as a Computer Equipment Repair Technician. While at IBM Robert trained in Computer Operations and Systems

Analysis. Robert went on to eventually Supervise and Manage Data processing centers throughout the area. Employers included, Pratt & Whitney Tool & Die, G & N Paper, Electric Boat, Cranston Print Works, General Dynamics Data Systems Division from which he retired in 1991. 

While building his career, Robert and Doris started their family, and brought three sons, Bradford, Barry and Randy and a daughter Nancy Jane into the world. 

Robert is pre-deceased by his wife of over 60 years Doris Boyd Black and his daughter-in law, Debbie Hey

Black. He is survived by his sons; Capt. Bradford Black USCG, Barry Black and his wife Leisha Stannard Black,

Randy Black and his wife Nancy Shea Black and a daughter Nancy Jane (Black) Maynard and her husband Mark Maynard. In addition he leaves nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 9:00-10:00AM at the Gagne Piechowski Funeral Home 490 Voluntown Road, Jewett City, CT. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich, CT. at 10:30 AM.

Due to covid there will be no reception. For online condolences please go to www.gagnefuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers please  send donations to:

Beacon Hospice

111 Founders Plaza- Suite 1802

East Hartford , CT. 06108

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