|
|
1949 - 2026
 Michael Dennis Black, 76, of New Port Richey, Florida, a respected retired police officer, beloved husband and father passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, in New Port Richey, surrounded by family. He was born October 23, 1949, in Huntington, WV, Michael’s life was marked by serving his country and the community, mentorship and unwavering dedication to his family. Michael was the son of the late Randolph Moss Black Jr. and Betty Clausen Black. Michael was a 1967 graduate of Barboursville High School. After high school he joined the US Air Force where he served two years in Japan and one year in Vietnam. He joined the Huntington Police Department in September of 1978 where he retired as Sergeant after twenty-six years of service. As a police officer, Michael played a crucial role in designing and establishing the departments K-9 Unit with his first partner K-9 “Arros”. Known for his patience and wisdom, Michael was a natural mentor on the department and with youth sports. At home, he was famous for his DIY projects teaching his children valuable skills while fixing anything from a broken bike to building furniture, while occasionally using duct tape. He was a member of Westmoreland United Methodist Church and a member of the Huntington Fraternal Order of Police.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, J.W. Vandall and mother-in-law, Margaret Vandall. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Rena Kay Vandall Black; one son, Adam Black and his wife, Kate, of Louisville, KY; one daughter, Katy Abramo and her husband Justin of New Port Richey, Florida; one brother, Scott Black of Proctorville, OH; one grandson, Jackson Dean Michael Black; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stephen and Barbara Vandall; a nephew, Cain Vandall; two nieces, Annie Hale and Abi Black, one great niece, Madison Vandall; and two great nephews, Lincoln and Teddy Hale.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, WV. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, WV, with Pastor Tom Nolan officiating. Burial will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.
One of Michael’s great passions in life was being a K-9 Officer for HPD and requested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Huntington Foundation, please use QR Code and in the drop-down, select K-9. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
|
|
There are currently 1 condolences.
Richie Pascale
Friday August 21, 2026 at
6:11 AM
|
Mr. Black was so much more than a neighbor to me and my family. He was a great friend, someone who treated my kids like they were his own grandkids, and someone I feel truly honored to have known.
For six years, I had the privilege of calling him my neighbor, but it didn’t take long for him to become much more than that. He treated us like family. He was kind, generous, loving, laid-back, and genuinely one of those people who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
And when I say he was always willing to help, I mean it. I certainly didn’t always know exactly what I was doing, but somehow Mr. Black always had the right tool, the right advice, or simply the willingness to jump in and help me figure it out. Whether we were building closets or garden beds, cutting aluminum, working on something around the house, or just using his air compressor to put air in car and bike tires, he was there.
Even our kids knew where to go when they needed something. They would run over to Mr. Black’s house when they needed a pool float blown up, and he was always happy to fire up the air compressor and help them. He never made you feel like you were bothering him. In fact, it was usually the opposite. He was insistent on helping, and you could tell that being able to do something for someone else genuinely made him happy.
Some of my favorite memories, though, are the simplest ones: hanging out, drinking a few beers, and talking. Our conversations may not always have been long-winded, but he was a great listener, a great friend, and a man with plenty of great stories to tell.
One thing that will always mean a lot to me is how much he and Rena showed up for our family. They were there for our kids’ birthdays, holidays, and so many special moments throughout the years. They weren’t simply neighbors who lived nearby. They became part of our family, and our kids grew up knowing and loving them that way.
My kids will have their own special memories of Mr. Black. They’ll always remember the pachinko game he let them play and how his face would light up when he could offer them a popsicle. He always had dog treats ready for our dog, Penny, too. He loved dogs, and when we were training our young puppy, he was always there with some good advice.
Looking back, it’s those everyday moments that mean the most. A borrowed tool, a helping hand, a cold beer, a conversation, a popsicle for the kids, a treat for the dog, or simply looking next door and knowing he was there, most often in the garage, smiling and waving. At the time, they may have seemed like little things. Today, I realize they were anything but little. They became lifelong memories.
I’ll never forget Mr. Black, the things he taught me, the countless times he helped me, or the friendship he gave to me and my family. I’m incredibly grateful that I had six years with him as my neighbor and, more importantly, as my friend.
Mr. Black will be deeply missed, but he will never be forgotten. He left an impact on my family that will stay with us for the rest of our lives, and I know we’ll continue telling stories about him for many years to come.
My deepest condolences go out to Rena, his entire family, and all of his friends near and far. I hope they find comfort in knowing just how many lives he touched and how fondly he will always be remembered.
Peace, Love & Blessings,
Richie Pascale
|
| |
|
