Harold Wharton Black, Jr.

Harold Wharton Black, Jr., 87, Wyomissing, died Feb. 11, 2008, in Wyomissing Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Reading. A member of Christ Episcopal Church, Reading, he was the husband of Deborah (Gibbs) Black. Born in Bluefield, W.Va., he was a son of the late Harold Wharton Black and Annie (Sanders) Black.

Harold was a typographer for CBS and Black Inc., both in New York City. He also was a freelance typographer in both New York and Berks County, retiring in 1987. He was a 1942 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism. He was a veteran of the Army, serving in the Signal Corps and stationed on the USS Rocky Mount in the South Pacific during World War II.

He was past president of Friends of Berks County Libraries and was widely known for the articles he wrote for the organization, which went well beyond his years as president. Harold also served at the Emergency Shelter (now known as Opportunity House) for 10 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Melissa A. Black, Wyomissing; and his four sons: Timothy L., husband of Denise Black, Old Bridge, N.J.; Philip L. Black, Fleetwood; Andrew M. Black, Pleasanton, Calif.; and Matthew G., husband of Theresa Black, Tinton Falls, N.J. Other survivors include eight grandchildren and a stepgreat-granddaughter. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph.

Memorial services were held at Christ Church on Saturday, February 16.