Obituary for Reid A. Black
Reid Allen Black, 79 died suddenly at his home on Tuesday February 2, 2021 in the Town of
Cobleskill, New York.
Reid was born on February 15, 1941. He was the son of William M. and Mabel C. Black (Post).
Reid was born, lived, worked and raised his family in East Fishkill, New York for more than 65
years. He was a partner with his only brother William Ronald Black (who predeceased him in
May 1987) Together they assumed ownership of Black Electric, Inc., from their father, an
electrical and pole line construction business.
Reid is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sheila E. (Mason) Black having been highschool
sweethearts, they graduated from Wappingers Central School in 1959 and married in 1961.
They had four children James R. (Daphne) Black of Beacon, NY who carried on operating
Black Electric, Inc. since 1990; Kathy (Scott) Kelley of Cobleskill, NY; Carol (Mike) Mattson of
Brookfied, CT; Sandy (Tim) McDonough of East Fishkill NY- now residing in the family home
that Reid built. Reid (aka Pop-pop) is also survived by his 8 grandchildren Ryan, Matt and Evan
Kelley; Collin, Taryn and Bridget Black; Lydia and Lindsay McDonough, 3 step grandchildren
Brittany, Danielle and Vincent Guarino and 1 great grand son- Mason Black.
Reid was very well known in his community of East Fishkill and will be remembered for his
boisterous sense of humor and booming laugh. He loved being with his family and passing the
torch to his children to share his creative problem solving skills. He was very proud of all of
them. He set a great example of how to enjoy life and will be sorely missed. After retirement
Reid and Sheila avidly toured the country in a motorhome and spent many winters in Titusville,
FL. Reid enjoyed raising and working with animals alongside his children (horses, dogs, cats,
chickens, goats and sheep); his absence will be deeply felt by his most recent dog, Skippy.
Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, February 9th,
2021 at the William G. Miller Funeral Home at 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY. Face
covering and social distancing will be respected by all attendees. If you are uncomfortable
attending in person, we understand, and we invite you to please write us a note in his virtual
Book of Memories.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association PO Box 7023 Merrifield,
VA 22116-7023 or online- www.diabetes.org/donate reference reidblack1941@gmail.com for
notifications or call 1-800-DIABETES ((800-342-2383) in memory of Reid Black with the hope
that someday this taxing disease can be cured and/or prevented. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com
Cobleskill, New York.
Reid was born on February 15, 1941. He was the son of William M. and Mabel C. Black (Post).
Reid was born, lived, worked and raised his family in East Fishkill, New York for more than 65
years. He was a partner with his only brother William Ronald Black (who predeceased him in
May 1987) Together they assumed ownership of Black Electric, Inc., from their father, an
electrical and pole line construction business.
Reid is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sheila E. (Mason) Black having been highschool
sweethearts, they graduated from Wappingers Central School in 1959 and married in 1961.
They had four children James R. (Daphne) Black of Beacon, NY who carried on operating
Black Electric, Inc. since 1990; Kathy (Scott) Kelley of Cobleskill, NY; Carol (Mike) Mattson of
Brookfied, CT; Sandy (Tim) McDonough of East Fishkill NY- now residing in the family home
that Reid built. Reid (aka Pop-pop) is also survived by his 8 grandchildren Ryan, Matt and Evan
Kelley; Collin, Taryn and Bridget Black; Lydia and Lindsay McDonough, 3 step grandchildren
Brittany, Danielle and Vincent Guarino and 1 great grand son- Mason Black.
Reid was very well known in his community of East Fishkill and will be remembered for his
boisterous sense of humor and booming laugh. He loved being with his family and passing the
torch to his children to share his creative problem solving skills. He was very proud of all of
them. He set a great example of how to enjoy life and will be sorely missed. After retirement
Reid and Sheila avidly toured the country in a motorhome and spent many winters in Titusville,
FL. Reid enjoyed raising and working with animals alongside his children (horses, dogs, cats,
chickens, goats and sheep); his absence will be deeply felt by his most recent dog, Skippy.
Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, February 9th,
2021 at the William G. Miller Funeral Home at 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY. Face
covering and social distancing will be respected by all attendees. If you are uncomfortable
attending in person, we understand, and we invite you to please write us a note in his virtual
Book of Memories.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association PO Box 7023 Merrifield,
VA 22116-7023 or online- www.diabetes.org/donate reference reidblack1941@gmail.com for
notifications or call 1-800-DIABETES ((800-342-2383) in memory of Reid Black with the hope
that someday this taxing disease can be cured and/or prevented. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com