Marcel "Marcy" K. Black of Hewitt died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
A family statement reads: His death ended a 21-month battle with lung cancer, which he fought with grace, dignity, humor and acceptance.
His talent for writing served his career as a technical writer, but also entertained and enlightened family and friends with his essays, letters and poetry. His love of reading, coupled with his amazing memory, lasted his entire life.
He made great use of the struggles in his own life by supporting and accepting the brokenness in others. His children try to emulate his calm approach to unexpected troubles, and the faith that all will work out.
He loved the road, driving great distances and spending time with loved ones around the U.S.A. and Canada, even traveling to Uganda in 2009 with his church mission group.
The youngest of seven siblings (Wendell, Catherine, Thelma, Frances, Tom, Madeline) in Coleman, Mich., he was born on Jan. 18, 1925 to Archibald F. Black and Janet McFee Black. He grew up in Michigan and attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. There me met the love of his life, Dorothy. They were married on Aug. 19, 1950, in Saginaw, Mich., after their graduation.
The couple, strong and faithful Catholics, raised their family of 11 children in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey.
He is survived by his children: Rosemary (Steven) Lopez of Pleasantville, N.Y.; Chris (Pamela) Black of South Orange; Maryellen (Jeff) Albanese of Goshen, N.Y.; Janie (Denny) Powers of Scarborough, Maine; Peggy (Glenn) Savage of South Orange; Dorothy (Tim) Barnes of Hewitt; Nancy (Ron) Tompkins of Annandale; Paul (Joanne) Black of Newton; John (AraLyn) Black of Takaka, New Zealand; Barbara (Steve) Price of Scarborough, Maine; and Betsy Black of Maplewood.
After raising their children, they relocated to their beloved Highland Lakes, and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Dorothy, an accomplished lawyer, died suddenly in 1996.
Mr. Black married Huguette McANulty in 2003, who survives him, along with her children, Debbie (Paul) Cianciulli; Celeste (David) Molnar; Andrew McANulty; Matthew (Catherine) McANulty; and James McANulty.
He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home, 241 Route 94, Vernon, on Wednesday, May 23. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, Highland Lakes. Interment followed at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Hardyston Township.
Memorial gifts to American Diabetes Foundation, P.O. Box 1132, Fairfax, Va. 22038 would be appreciated. Information and condolences can be found at www.fergusonvernonfuneralhome.com.