Earl passed peacefully at home with family. He was born the eldest of 5 children in Limington Maine where he grew up and graduated High School.
He married Rita Gerrish July 3, 1952, and was married for 66 years prior to Rita passing June 6, 2018.
He went into the Army at the age of 20 and fought in the Korean War 1952-1954. He was honorably discharged after injury. He received a purple heart for his bravery. Upon returning home, he met his first born, Deborah for the first time at the age of 18 months. Earl & Rita had 4 more children, Vicki, Larry, Regina and Mark.
Earl and Rita moved to Apache Junction, AZ in 1979 where they made it their new home. He worked for the City of Apache Junction as the Animal Control Officer and soon the Paws and Claws building was built. Earl and his wife ran Paws and Claws for 14 years before retiring.
They traveled the US and Earl just couldn’t sit still and returned to work for the City of Apache Junction Parks and Rec Department. After 9 years he retired again from the City at the age of 79.
He was always available with a good story and made everyone laugh. He made many friends throughout his life. He was loved by all who
knew him.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alton and Dorothy (Mowatt) Black; his wife of 66 years, Rita (Gerrish) Black; sisters, Shirley Dertinger and Ellen Brulotte; brothers, Alton Black Jr. and Robert (Bobby) Black; his awesome son-in-law, Stephen Charron; and a great-grandson, Levi Black.
He is survived by his children: Debbie Charron of Maine, Vicki Black of AZ, Larry Black (wife Tammy) of North Carolina, Regina Gibson of AZ and Mark Black (wife Kathy) of Maine. He had 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE is on Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. at the VFW POST #7968, 250 S. Phelps Drive, Apache Junction, AZ 85220.
