Michael J. Black

March 26, 2022

Michael J. Black

Michael J. Black – Of Woburn, after a battle with cancer, March 26th at the age of sixty-six. Loving and devoted husband of nearly 30 years to Nancy M. (Mills) Black. Proud father of Jake P. Black of Medford and Cara M. Black of Charleston, SC. Dear son of the late John J. and Clare (O’Rourke) Black. Loyal brother of Christine, Andy, Joan, John, and Marylou. Favorite son-in-law of Alice L. Foley. Loving and treasured friend of Diane Lunden, Gary McLaughlin, and numerous others whom he loved so much. Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Mass 0n Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in St. Veronica’s Parish/ St. Margaret’s Church 111 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn 

Donations may be made in Mike’s memory directly to his Go Fund Me Page.

 

Michael J. Black – a lifelong resident of Woburn, died peacefully, March 26th after a battle with cancer, at the age of sixty-six. Michael was the loving and devoted husband of Nancy M. (Mills) Black, with whom he would have celebrated 30 years of marriage on August 29th.  He was extremely grateful to celebrate his 66th birthday on March 23rd surrounded by love and laughter while reassuring those closest to him that he will be with them always and to be patient until they reunite again. 

Born and raised in Woburn, Michael was a son of the late John J. and Clare (O’Rourke) Black. He was educated in Woburn and a 1974 graduate of Woburn Memorial High School. He grew up an athlete and enjoyed basketball, biking and skiing, even once biking across the country.

After High School, he worked as a server at Victoria Station and the Café Escadrille where he made many lifelong friendships that he treasured.  Michael went on to earn a master’s license in plumbing.  He continued with this profession throughout his life and met numerous customers who he regarded as friends.  He would often sit with elderly customers who found themselves in need of a little company and a hot cup of coffee.  He was constantly helping others.  He was the most selfless person you could ever meet.  Anyone finding themselves to be a friend of Michael Black was truly blessed.

Michael prayed every day for anyone he thought may need a little help.  He never put himself first.  He never complained no matter how distressed he felt.  He would console others and try to brighten their day and lend them a hand while putting his own troubles aside.  He was an incredibly trusting and loyal man to a fault.  He loved being a father and was an exceptional one at that!  He would go to the ends of the earth for his wife Nancy and his two children Jake and Cara. His love was always unconditional.

 Michael took his mother-in law Alice into his home and provided her a place to live for many years until she required more care and went onto live at a nursing home.  Michael was a patient man.  He made her breakfast and a cup of tea every day before heading off to work.

He was continuously upbeat and hilarious.  Nancy said she couldn’t remember a day that their home wasn’t filled with laughter.  They loved each other deeply and worshiped one another.  They acted like teenagers when around each other, their children Jake & Cara said they often felt like the only adults in the house.

Michael was an absolute goofball and so easy to love.  He religiously watched Seinfeld re-runs.  Not a day would go by without the mention of one of the episodes.   He loved the outdoors and there wasn’t a sport he didn’t like.  Michael found himself to be a dog lover when a little mutt named Benny found his way into Michael’s heart – he took him everywhere.  He and Benny went on many walks.  Michael thought Benny was the most amazing dog, even though Benny chewed anything he could get his teeth into, no matter what the cost – it was never Benny’s fault.  

Michael was a lover of nature and an avid Celtics and Red Sox fan.  During the Tom Brady era he enjoyed watching the Patriots with close friends.

He was a kind, generous, honest man, with a big heart, who always left a lasting impression on those that he met and knew.  Michael had the qualities which made you simply want to be around him, and he could make anyone’s day better with a smile or a joke.

His family will miss him but will always be grateful for the joy and love he gave them. 

Along with his wife Nancy, Michael is survived and will be deeply missed by his children, Jake P. Black of Medford and Cara M. Black of Charleston, SC and Benny his dog.

Michael has joined his parents Clare & John J. Black, Jr, his father-in-law Walter P. Foley, Jr and brother-in-law and friend Ralph E. Mills, Jr. in heaven.

He was and always will be the favorite son-in-law of Alice L. Foley who worshiped the ground he walked on. 

He was a loyal and loving brother to many brothers & sisters.  He was a caring brother-in-law.  The favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews who absolutely adored him.  A favorite cousin and nephew to many.  Loving and treasured friend of Diane Riley-Lunden, Gary McLaughlin, and numerous others whom he loved so much and too many to list.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Mass 0n Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in St. Veronica’s Parish/ St. Margaret’s Church 111 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/michael-black-battle-with-cancer

 

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Mass 0n Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in St. Veronica’s Parish/ St. Margaret’s Church 111 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn  Donations may be made in Mike’s memory directly to his Go Fund Me Page.

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  1. Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear about Mike. I was just talking about him today and heard the sad news. He was a great guy and plumber had used him since I moved here 15 years ago. Loved chatting it up about all the good old days at the Escadrill. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!

  2. Glenn Stirling

    So very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. Condolences to his family & friends. RIP Mike …

  3. I was shocked to hear of Mike’s passing today on this site. He worked on my furnace in my house just a few months back. I had no idea. But that was Mike as mentioned on here by many others, he was always upbeat, never burdened others, or ever felt sorry for himself.
    My dad and I worked for the Black family for many decades doing remodeling work all over Woburn and the surrounding towns. I will forever have wonderful memories of working with Mike, and and how he made the workday go by with jokes and laughter that went on between him and my dad. My father took Mike under his wing many times on jobs when they were laying out either pipes or boards in the bathrooms or kitchens we were fixing. Mike loved my dad like his own father the feeling was mutual, what was there not to like about him.
    To the members of his family and many friends, I’m so sorry for your loss. But take comfort in the fact that Mike made an impression in the lives of everyone he met, and they are the better for it, I certainly am.
    Rest In Peace Mike, and thanks for all the great times, you will be missed.

  4. Deepest sympathy Mancy to you, family and friends of Mike…great guy who will dearly be missed <3

  5. Karen OLaughlin

    Nancy

    I was so sorry to read about your husband’s passing. Your tribute to him was amazing. In time may you and your family find comfort and peace in your memories ❤️
    Karen DeBenedetto O’Laughlin

  6. Nancy,

    I am so very, very sorry.

    You and your family are in my thoughts.

    ~ Maria Sallese

  7. So sorry to hear about Michael’s passing. He was incredibly kind and fun. A true gentleman.

  8. Nancy McIntyre

    I’ve known Michael since the 1st grade. Through out our years at St. Charles, he was the class clown, always making jokes and filling the classroom with laughter..I’ve seen him many times in Woburn and he always greeted me with a big hug and that handsome grin. He will be sorely missed. I’m very sorry for your loss..R.I.P dear friend…

  9. Stephen Anderson

    Nancy, Jake, Cara and Benny the dog. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father Michael. He was a great man and definitely will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He was such a happy person and always made you feel like you were his best friend when ever you saw him. The world would be better place if more people where like him. Sending you prayers in this very sad time.

  10. lynne gillooly

    So sad to hear about Michael. We were classmates at St. Charles and the first boy I had a crush on. (8th grade). He always had a big smile and welcoming to everyone. Rest in Peace Michael.

  11. Sheila Cerroni

    Chris and family, sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you all! Sheila Cerroni (Byrne)

  12. Dr. Robert J. Ferullo,Ed.D

    Condolences to Michael’s family. We were one of his customers for some time. Every visit was a cheerful one. RIP

  13. Nancy and the kids, May God Bless Michael 💔. Michael always lit up a room with his laugh or smile making sure everyone was comfortable. He loved being a husband and father. I hope you are at peace. To a good man

  14. Nancy & Chris Doherty

    Nancy, Jake & Cara,
    Thinking of you all & sending prayers, love & hugs. Thinking of Michael will always bring us a smile. So very sorry for your loss

    Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. May you remember to hold tight to your memories. They will be with you forever, keeping Michael close for the rest of your days.

  15. Charlie Culhane

    Nancy & family,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The ones we love are never gone but live within our hearts. May you know peace and comfort.

    God bless,

    The Culhanes

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