Larry B. Black

Larry B. Black, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Carlisle Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he was being cared for Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 81 years old.

Larry was born in Gettysburg, PA on May 23, 1943, the son of the late Lawrence and Marian (Miller) Black. He was a graduate of Carlisle High School (1961) and Pennsylvania State University (1965) with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. 

He was married to the late Darlene (McLaughlin) Black of Carlisle for 58 years. They made Carlisle their lifelong home where they raised their family and enjoyed being part of the community. He loved to coach and teach young athletes and had been involved with Little League and youth basketball. Larry was an ardent fan of Carlisle sports and was passionate about Penn State football, having had season tickets for over 50 years.

Larry had a distinguished career working for the Department of the Navy for over 40 years. He served as a Deputy Director for the Fleet Material Support Office (FMSO) within the Naval Supply and Systems Command (NAVSUP). His career culminated in being awarded The Meritorious Civilian Service and Superior Civilian Service Awards from the Department of the Navy. These were awarded to him based on providing leadership of highly successful programs and accomplishment that had wide impact on the Department of the Navy operations. In addition to these honors, in 1990 he was selected as Federal Executive of the Year and in 2004 he was elected to the NAVSUP Hall of Fame. 

He was an avid sportsman, a fierce competitor and had a love for sports. Larry played basketball weekly late into his 60s and was still playing racquetball weekly in 2022. Golf was his greatest sporting passion, and he loved the competition of every match and often found a way to pull out a win. He loved to golf with his family and friends during annual golfing trips or vacations. Track and Field was a sport he enjoyed following, and you could always find him in the stands at the Pennsylvania State High School meet annually. 

The beach was Larry’s sanctuary, a place where he could relax, enjoy listening to music, putting his feet in the sand, and taking in the summer sunshine. He loved taking an annual vacation with his wife and family to the Jersey Shore or the Outerbanks of North Carolina. 

Larry was “PapPap” and Darlene was “Bibby” to their six grandchildren. The grandchildren’s sporting events brought him great joy in watching them compete in basketball, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse and baseball. Post games he was always ready to share advice and encouragement to each of them and was ready to celebrate with a post-game ice cream cone. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and was extremely proud of their accomplishments and endeavors. 

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Darlene Black of Carlisle. He is survived by his three children son Bryan B. (and his wife Karina) Black of Delmar, NY, son Michael D. (and his wife Tara) Black of Carlisle, and daughter Maryann E. (and her husband Chad Reed) Reed of Felton, DE. He also leaves his six grandchildren, Emma and Maggie Black, Madelyn and Matthew Reed, and Owen and Leah Black. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Carol (husband Rodney) Yentzer of Carlisle, PA. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Larry’s life by gathering for visitation hours at the Hoffman Funeral and Cremation LTD., 2020 W Trindle Road, Carlisle, on Friday August 30, 2024. Visitation hours will be from 3 to 5 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 5PM. After the service a Celebration of Life reception will be hosted by the family at Appalachian Brewing Company 1757 Grille, located at the Carlisle Barracks Golf Course, 920 Jim Thorpe Road, Carlisle, PA.

In lieu of flowers you can make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association in tribute to Larry and help in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease.