George W. Black, Jr.

CARBONDALE – George W. Black, Jr., 89, of Carbondale, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 28, 2019. George was born April 1, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. He married Katherine Mary McKenna on March 3, 1962 in Flushing, New York. She preceded him in death.



After two years serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Francis College in Brooklyn, New York, a master’s degree in chemistry from St. John’s University in New York, and a master’s degree in library science from Columbia University in New York. For 22 years, George served as a full professor and director of the science library at Morris Library, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He also volunteered and served on the board of the Carbondale Public Library.



George enjoyed the natural beauty of Southern Illinois. He was a devoted fan of men’s and women’s Saluki sports teams, and after retirement, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.



George was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his three children, James (Marian Lee) Black of Falls Church, VA. Kathleen (James) Buckley of Alton, and Mary Black of Carbondale. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Bridget Buckley of Alton, Illinois; Cecilia Albert-Black of Carbondale, Illinois; and Gabriel Black-Planas and Ainona Black-Planas of Vienna, Virginia.



Funeral Mass will be 10AM, Saturday, August 31, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Carbondale with Father Robert Flannery and Father Joseph Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale with full military rites. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM with a Rosary being held at 6:30 PM on Friday, August 30, at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale.



Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan House and Habitat for Humanity and will be accepted at the funeral home and church.



To leave a story or memory of George visit www.meredthfh.com