Robert F. Black, of Milton, died Feb. 6 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, after a lengthy illness.
Born in Boston, Mr. Black grew up in Dorchester and lived there until his move to Milton 44 years ago. He was a graduate of St. Gregory School, Dorchester, and Boston Trade High School, where he obtained the basic electrical skills that led to his long, successful career.
A licensed master electrician, he was the first person in Massachusetts to become a licensed journeyman electrician at age 17. He retired from his position as plant-department coordinator in the engineering department of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., Boston, in 1990 after 33 years of employment. Throughout his career, his expertise, professional development and contributions to innovative programs added greatly to the overall growth of the company.
Mr. Black was a man of great religious faith and many interests. A longtime active parishioner of St. Agatha Church, he was a Eucharistic minister, a member of “Nocturnal Adoration,” a former member of the Parish Finance Committee and the former parish buildings-and-property manager.
He was a third-degree knight, Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Massachusetts Electrical Contractors Association. Also a skilled repairman of watches and clocks, he enjoyed TV repair and basic machinist work. In addition, Mr. Black was an avid lover of classical music.
Husband of Mary E. (Green) Black, he is also survived by his daughters, Janet M. Plonka and her husband, Christopher, of Lakeville, and Eileen F. Wilkins and her husband, Richard, of Connecticut; his granddaughters, Suzanne E. Plonka, Olivia R. Wilkins and Madeline M. Wilkins; his brother-in-law, Dominic Carchedi, and his nephew, Lawrence Carchedi, both of Quincy.
He was the grandfather of the late Emma Grace Wilkins and brother of the late Mary Carchedi.
A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Agatha Church on Feb. 23. Burial was in Milton Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, St. Boniface Church, 14 Pond Lane, Randolph, MA 02368.
Arrangements were by the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home.