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Samuel J. Black, II

Samuel James Black, II, 69, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania died July 6, 2016. With him were his siblings who had been caring for him for many years.

The son of Dr. Samuel R. Black and Twila Hope (Lehman) Black, he was born on December 23, 1946 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A 1964 graduate of Kittanning Senior High School, Sam went on to attend Washington and Jefferson College where he majored in Pre-med with a concentration in Chemistry. After having been accepted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Sam subsequently earned a Master's Degree in biochemistry from West Virginia University. For several years he worked in the field of biochemistry and then attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an internship in internal medicine at Atlantic City Hospital. Sam finished his medical studies with a residency in radiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

In 1979 he became a partner in Radiology Associates, based in Butler, Pennsylvania and practiced at Butler Hospital, Grove City Hospital, and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Butler. He was a fine physician, well-liked by patients and staff. His skill, his compassion, his warm, open bedside manner and his winning sense of humor earned him a solid reputation.

His life away from the hospitals was a busy one. He was a member of The Golden Panthers and cheered for his teams at countless Pitt basketball and football games. Sam was a "news junkie", an ardent Republican and a "numbers guy" who enjoyed the challenges of following and investing in the stock market. He loved boating on the Allegheny and water skiing with his friends and family. He thoroughly enjoyed music and dancing and knew the lyrics of countless songs, especially those from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. A great walker, he often walked eight to ten miles a day. Enormously generous, he was always excited to entertain his friends and family and especially relished all the trappings of a spirited poker party. Brilliant, he could discuss math, science, finances and politics with the experts. Humble and totally unimpressed with himself, he could also chatter away about the innocently amusing events of everyday life, his wide smile and infectious laugh "recharging the batteries" of one and all. Those who had Sam Black in their lives were fortunate to have known a man for all seasons.

He is survived by his three siblings, Sandra J. Bradigan and husband, Thomas, Stephen J. Black and wife, Gretchen, and Sybil J. Dosch and husband, Timothy, all of Kittanning; six nieces, Samantha Starr and husband, Matthew, Sarah Johnston and husband, Benjamin, Elizabeth Trudgen and husband, Thomas, Jessica Leigey and husband, Daniel, Hope Ramsey and husband, Josh, and Gwen Lander and husband, Garrett; and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Samuel R. Black and Twila H. Black.

Friends will be received from 11 AM until the time of services at noon on Monday, July 11, 2016 at the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7139 Hyndman Rd., Buffalo Mills, PA, with the Rev. Ryan Viands officiating.

Burial will follow in Hyndman Cemetery, Hyndman, Bedford Co., PA

Memorial contributions may be made in Sam's memory to the Dr. Samuel R. and Mrs. Twila L. Black Medical Scholarship Fund, c/o the Armstrong County Community Foundation, 220 S. Jefferson St., Kittanning, PA 16201 or the Dr. Samuel R. Black Medical Library, c/o ACMH, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201.

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