Joseph A. Black

Joseph A. Black, 72, of Nokomis, died at home on May 29, 2011 following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Betty; his niece Diane Yanni; nephew Bo Palatajko; grandnephew Alex Palatajko; and goddaughter Katrina Roehrig. Joe was born in Cleveland and stayed there until 1966 when he started traveling the world for business and pleasure. He was a well-respected electrical engineer in the battery industry. Initially he was with the International Division of Exide Battery in Cleveland and Philadelphia, and later with Singer Products in New York. Joe was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America as a young Scout himself and later as a Scout Master in Pennsylvania. His love of animals was well known, and he enjoyed working as a volunteer at St. Francis Animal Rescue of Venice since moving here in 1997. Joe will always be remembered as a quiet, caring man who was a true gentleman.