Black

Thomas Roy Black, 85, of Harmony, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Born Oct. 29, 1936, in Monaca, he was the son of the late Edward C. Black and Caroline Sack Black.

Tom was a graduate of Monaca High School.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Fort Snelling from 1954 to1957.

Tom owned and operated the award winning Oakwood Acres Chinchilla Farm in Lancaster Township. From 1961 to 2004, he bred, raised and sold chinchillas to customers worldwide. In addition, he bought and sold wild fur and chinchilla pelts to furriers in New York City. He also wrote a regular feature for Chinchilla World Trade Journal, based in Oakhurst, Calif., called “Bare Facts.” Tom was employed by the St. Joseph Lead Company in Monaca for 13 years before going full time in chinchilla farming. Tom also enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Tom leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 63 years, Lois J. Lyons Black, whom he married on April 18, 1959; his sisters-in-law, Geri Lyons Black and Virginia Lyons Whittaker; his brothers-in-law, Dave Owsley, John Martincic and Tim Lyons (Joyce); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, especially Ron and Carol Doak.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, James E. Black; his sisters, Suzanne Owsley and Karen Martincic; his sister-in-law, Marion Lyons Noel (Jim); his brothers-in-law, David Lyons and Lonnie Whittaker; as well as his parents-in-law, Charles and Beulah Lyons.

BLACK — There will be a gathering of family and friends for Thomas Roy Black, who died Saturday, April 30, 2022, and will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service with military honors at noon Saturday, May 7, 2022, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, with Pastor Randy Herbe officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.