Harold Wharton Black

Harold Wharton Black, Jr., 87, of Wyomissing, died February 11, 2008, in Wyomissing Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was the husband of Deborah Gibbs Black.

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Harold Wharton and Annie (Sanders) Black.

He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a B.A. in Journalism in 1942.

Harold was a typographer for both CBS and Black, Inc., both in New York City. He was also a free-lance typographer in both New York and Berks County, retiring in 1987.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Signal Corps and stationed on the USS Rocky Mount in the South Pacific during World War II.

Harold was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Reading.

He was past president for Friends of Berks County Libraries and was well-known for the articles he wrote for the organization, which went well beyond his years as president. Harold also served at the Emergency Shelter (now known as Opportunity House) for 10 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Melissa A. Black, Wyomissing; and his four sons, Timothy L., husband of Denise Black, Old Bridge, NJ; Philip L. Black, Fleetwood; Andrew M. Black, Pleasanton, CA; and Matthew G., husband of Theresa Black, Tinton Falls, NJ. Eight grandchildren and one step-great-granddaughter also survive him. He was predeceased by one brother, Joseph.

Memorial Services will be Saturday at 3 p.m. in Christ Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society, 1801 North 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604, or to Friends of Berks County Libraries, 1037F MacArthur Rd., Reading, PA 19605. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com