- Date Of Birth: December 28, 1934
- Date Of Death: October 16, 2013
- State: Indiana
Raymond Joseph Black, 78, of South Bend passed away at Memorial Hospital on October 16, 2013 after a full and wonderful life. Born on December 28th, 1934 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, he grew up in Connellsville, PA and graduated Connellsville High School in 1952. After high school, he attended the University of Notre Dame and made South Bend his home. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. On March 2nd, 1957 he married the former Elizabeth Josephine (Betty Jo) Scott of South Bend. After her passing, he married the former Anne Marcella MacDonald of Dearborn, MI on March 31st, 1967. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Augustin and Florence Pauline; his first wife Betty Jo; his sister Jean Claire Konchal; his son-in-law Jay Smith; and his daughter Sharon Marie.
Hard-working and mathematically gifted, he joined the Bendix Aircraft Brake and Strut Division in 1955, where for forty years he was an expert in aircraft and spacecraft landing systems. During this time, he earned his Professional Engineer license. He was the author of numerous technical studies and the recipient of ten patents for his inventions. He was instrumental in the design of the landing gear for the lunar module with his proof of quadrupedal landing gear systems for spacecraft. He also designed landing gear for the space shuttle and other commercial jets.
While he had many professional accomplishments, his proudest accomplishment was his family. He was the beloved father of eight daughters: Mary Rose (Craig) Nowicki, Elizabeth Jean (Thomas) Morrell, Margaret (Walter) Deacon, Patricia (Ken) Noble, Paula (Patrick) Loria, Carol (Rafael) Vargas, Jenine (Don) Ward, and the late Sharon M. Hoffman. He was the special grandpa to nineteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He shared his interests in coins, gardening, and good food with his children and grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters Joan Gretz, Jane (Bob) Cusick, and Judy Broggi; and his brother-in-law Gerald Konchal. His loving presence, guiding wisdom, and dry humor will be deeply missed by all.
Ray was a longtime member of Corpus Christi Parish, where he served as an usher and lector. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a founding member of St. Joseph County Right to Life and, in 2011 he received their Pillar of Life Award.
