Arlene Black

Arlene was born April 19, 1937 in Brooklyn, New York, to Gertrude and Benjamin Cohen. She was raised in the neighborhood of Borough Park. As a child and young woman, she enjoyed attending the movies all day for a nickel. She played piano as a child, developing a life-long love of music. She graduated from Brooklyn College.

In 1957, she met the love of her life, Howard Black, on Brighton Beach, when she shared her beach blanket with him. They began dating a few weeks later and were married on June 7th, 1958. Arlene was an elementary school teacher in the New York City Public School System. She also ran a summer program in the public schools. She and Howard lived in Queens, and Elmont, NY, raising their two children, Bruce and Terri. Arlene was active at the Elmont Jewish Center, and became well-known as the cupcake lady, since she was in charge of ordering desserts for the kids events. Upon retirement, she and Howard moved to Riverhead, Long Island and then to Florida. She enjoyed visiting the beach, reading, singing and dancing, and swimming, but mostly she enjoyed being with her family, especially her husband Howard who could always make her laugh.

Arlene was loved by her family for her optimism and enthusiasm. She was always up for an adventure and an outing. She was very considerate of others and always sent cards with hand written notes. She wrote poems for special occasions. Arlene loved conversation, often recounted family stories to her grandchildren, and enjoyed striking up chats with just about anyone. She faced several medical challenges throughout her life, but faced these with determination and resolve.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Howard Black, her son Bruce of Jupiter, her daughter Terri (James) Weiland of Valencia, CA; grandchildren Stephanie Black, Gregory Weiland, Matthew Weiland, and Brianna Black.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Arlene Black to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, ww5.komen.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, Jupiter, FL.