Philip L. Black

Philip L. Black

Age 82, of Northville, formerly a longtime resident of Troy, passed away August 1, 2022. He was born on March 17, 1940 in Winterset, Iowa; son of Leo P. and Ida L. (Hardisty) Black. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa; class of 1958.  Philip was united in marriage to Carolyn M. Martinez on October 26, 1963 in the first double wedding at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont, Nebraska, along side her sister, Christine (Samuel)Myers. Philip and Carolyn spent 58 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Philip had a long, successful career in the residential, commercial, and industrial construction industry.  He owned several companies throughout the years and his projects moved his family all over the United States.  Working as the developer, designer, and builder his projects were often chosen in a way that let him give back to the community.  He worked on infrastructures for cities, built a nursing home, and in one of his housing developments the streets are named after his children. Most recently he worked in automotive sales for Jeep in Troy, retiring in 2015.

Philip was an active member of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, volunteered with his wife at coffee fellowship after mass and was a member of the Knight of Columbus.  He was also a member of the Elks in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Philips was an avid fisherman.  He loved to spend the day on the water catching whatever was biting in the area, including Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, and Rainbow Trout.  He enjoyed reading, especially western riding authors like Louis L’Amour.   A fabulous dancer, he and his wife won several jitterbug contests in their younger years.  Philip liked completing puzzles as well as spending the day on the golf course.  He was an adventurous traveler and explored destinations all over the United States.  Philip’s greatest joy in life was his family.  He loved spending time with them playing cards, usually hearts or 5 card poker.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; he will be missed by all who loved him.

Philip is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Black; his daughters, Sonya (Todd) Hoevener and Shana (Fabian) Polo; his grandchildren, Joseph Hoevener, Thomas Hoevener, Stephanie (Andrew) Roberts, and Christopher Polo; his sister Patricia McMullen; his niece and nephews, Theresa (Bill) Clark, Michael (Julie) McMullen, Martell McMullen; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and in-laws.  He was preceded in death by his son Shaun Black, his parents and his best friend and brother in-law Lonnie McMullen .

Philip will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Fremont, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society , P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Alzheimer’s Association , 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.