Geraldine Gay Black

Geraldine Black passed away peacefully on February 26,2026 at the age of 91. Her life was a life built on love-steadfast, generous, and unwavering devotion to family. Her heart was irrevocably broken on February 2, 2026, when she lost her beloved Bob. A life apart was never in her plan, and their love story of 55 beautiful years remains one of deep partnership, joy, and faithfulness.

Born and raised in Fairmont West Virginia, Geraldine was the last surviving member of her family. From the very beginning, she shared life with her first best friend-her twin brother Lefty. Lefty and Gerry were never far apart. She grew up alongside her brothers Lefty, Bud , and her sister Glendine , In a happy home built by her parents, Ormond “Red” Summers and Alice Swisher Summers. Fairmont, West Virginia always held a special place in her heart. She kept a coal collection as a reminder of the town that shaped her and the memories she cherished there. Family history was one of her greatest passions. She could recite her lineage effortless and proudly said her family tree “ran high”. So sharp was her mind that when she was told a relative had died in the battle of Gettysburg, she later researched and realized that family member passed before the Battle of Gettysburg even occurred-a perfect example of her intelligence and attention to detail.

Geraldine carried that brilliance into her professional life, holding a high -security clearance position at Pratt Whitney, where she was entrusted with the confidential inner workings of critical aerospace components. She later shared that chapter of her life with the love of her life Robert “Bob “Black whom she married on December 31, 1970. Their marriage was filled with adventure, laughter, and travel. Together they explored Ireland-her favorite-as well as Switzerland, Germany, Brussels, Italy and many other beautiful places around the world.

They were blessed with one son Robert Black “Bobby” whose tragic passing on January 31, 1998, was a sorrow that left a deep hole in her heart. Through marriage she was also blessed with daughters and sons-in-law. Edith and David Durham, Donna Marcusani, Linda Black, and Ruth Owens. Her family circle expanded richly to include grandchildren Dominic Marcusani, Kevin Sweatt, Brooke and Josh McDougal, Coy and Kristina Sweatt, Cody and Jessica Sweatt, Kyle and Sonia Sweatt. She treasured her great-grandchildren Austin, Andrea, Gauge, Alivia, Collin, Levi, Gracelyn, Cheyanne, and Easton, each one a continued blessing of her legacy. She adored her nieces and nephews, Donna Brooks, Sharon and John Scarcella, Diane and Rich Kronebusch, Kathy and Larry Frank, Jill Weaver, Steve and Tammy Weaver, and Mike Weaver, along with an abundance of many great and great- great nieces and nephews who filled her life with pride.

Family was not simply important to Geraldine-it was everything. She was a beautiful friend, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and women whose entire world revolved around those she loved. It was often said she must have had a special relationship with the Postmaster General. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. Every card arrived precisely on time-never a day late-each one a small but powerful reminder of how deeply she cared.

She was also blessed with a cherished best friend, Ana, with whom she shared countless lunches, laughter and treasured years of companionship.

Geraldine was a spiritual person with a deep and abiding faith in God. Her belief sustained her through life’s joys and its profound heartbreak. In her 91 abundant years she traveled, loved deeply, endured loss and remained grateful. At the end of her life, she had no complaints -only a legacy of devotion and love that will continue through generations.

She will be severely and lovingly missed by all who had the privilege of calling her family or friend. Her life was very well lived, and her love will remain woven into the hearts of those she leaves behind.