Obituary of Kenneth W. Black

Kenneth W. Black, a lifelong resident of Burlington passed away after a short illness on Thursday morning, July 20, 2017. He was 92 years old. Ken was born in Medford in 1925 and grew up in the family home in Burlington on Harriett Avenue. He was one of 5 children born to Agnes and August Joseph Black. Back then, Burlington was just a small farming community with mostly dirt roads. He went to the Union and Center School for his education. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 to fight in World War II. Ken was the recipient of the American Area Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He held the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate. Ken was assigned to the Airship Squadron in Newport Rhode Island. He served in the Blimp squadron. Blimps were used as submarine spotters on the Coast of the United States. Most lasted 8 hours and could go as long as 24 hours and occurred during the night when German U-Boats would surface to recharge their batteries. Ken was in charge of the mechanics of the blimp when airborne as well a spotter during each mission. He proudly served his country from August of 1942 until May of 1946. He continued his support of the United States military as a longtime member of the American Legion Post 273. Ken returned from the war and went to work for Atlantic Ritchfield which became ARCO. His official title with ARCO was Pump and Tank Mechanic, but Ken basically took care of every mechanical unit in the ARCO service stations. He fixed gas pumps, car lifts, air conditioning, signage, and whatever problem which may arise. He happily worked with ARCO for 35 years prior to his retirement. He used many of his work skills at home. He was a “Mr. Fixit”. Give Ken enough time, he could fix almost anything from parts in his basement that he had collected over the years. He was always working around his house and he would spend hours working around his vegetable garden. He enjoyed great health until just recently. Last month he was in his garden pulling out a tree stump. He had that incredible work ethic and an extremely strong sense of independence his entire life. He lived his life his way, on his terms, and without assistance. Ken was the loving husband of the late June E. (Vail). Loving father of Don Black of Clinton, Roger Black & his wife Bethann of Burlington, and Karen Doyle & her husband David of Litchfield, NH. Brother of the late Dorothy Martin, Inez Demone, Charles and Robert “Buster” Black. Proud grandfather of Victoria, Philip & Shawn Black, Cassie Johnson, Laureen Lashmit, and Jeffrey & Becky Gelinas. Great grandfather of Regan & Kiara Johnson and David Lashmit. Funeral services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Tuesday, July 25 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Monday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ken’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.