Peter Allen Robert Black

Peter Allen Robert Black, 88, of Tampa, FL, passed away on September 25, 2023.
Pete was born on August 5, 1935, to Louis and Eva Black in New Haven, CT.  After graduating from Hopkins School, he went on to graduate from University of Connecticut with a degree in Journalism. 

After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force.  He then started his career in advertising and eventually migrated to sales in the packaging industry, opening his own business- Alpha Industrial Supplies- in Tampa in 1981.

In 1962 Pete wed Saralee (Aaronson) Black, the love of his life for 61 years.  They had two children, Michael and Hilary.   

While living in Orange, CT Pete wrote for the Jewish Ledger and interviewed many dignitaries such as Moshe Dayan.  He was active in the New Haven Jewish Federation and was vice president of Or Shalom Synagogue.   Pete was a Zionist and made numerous trips to Israel with Saralee and his family, instilling a love for Israel in his kids and grandkids.    

Pete was known for his quick wit and always being ready with a friendly joke.   He was an avid sports fan and former president and longtime member of the Tampa Sports Club.  He was often found watching a ball game and routing for the Yankees, the Rays, the Buccaneers, the Lightning, the Gators and UCONN Huskies.   

Most of all, Pete believed in the importance of family.   Pete was fortunate to come from a large extended family and was thought of as the “glue” that kept the family together.  He loved family gatherings with all his aunts, uncles, and cousins at his and Saralee’s home on Stannard Beach, Westbrook, CT.     

Pete is predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his wife, Saralee, his brother, Richard Black, his son, Michael Black and his wife Lora Black, his daughter Hilary Black and her husband Jeffrey Diamond, and his grandchildren Logan Black, Haley Black, Seth Black-Diamond, Arielle Black-Diamond and Alyssa Black-Diamond.     

Pete believed in supporting his community.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to StandWithUs https://www.standwithus.com/donate ; Jewish National Fund https://shop.jnf.org/collections/plant-trees ; or Congregation Schaarai Zedek https://www.zedek.org .