Robert M. Black

Robert M. Black, 77, a lifelong resident of Saco, died January 5th at home after a long illness.He was born in Biddeford on June 9, 1934, the son of John S. and Esther (Milliken) Black, Jr. He attended Saco schools, was a 1951 graduate of Thornton Academy and a 1955 graduate of Tufts University. He received his masters degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1962 and completed his doctoral studies at the University of Virginia in 1972.Bob was employed briefly with the former Saco-Lowell Shops in Biddeford.For 38 years, Bob was employed with the Falmouth school system. He taught 8th grade science for several years, then taught chemistry at Falmouth High School and also served as the Science Department chairman, retiring in 1997.Bob's avocation was art. He was accomplished in oils, acrylics, charcoal, pastels and pen and ink. He sold many paintings, sketches and drawings over the years. He was especially known for his cartoons, and was a published cartoonist. Family and friends cherished receiving his "version" of them in his caricatures.In his retirement, Bob volunteered at the Seashore Trolley Museum where he worked as a motorman and in the restoration shop. He was also a member of the Stone Soup co-op store in Saco where each Halloween, he would dress up as the "Pumpkin Wizard" and paint faces on pumpkins that children brought into the store.He was a former member of the Saco Conservation Committee, and was especially interested in the preservation of the Saco Heath. He was a former member of the Old Orchard Beach Art Association and was a life member of the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen.Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Mary Ellen (Twomey) Black of Saco, son John S. Black and his wife Lori of Springvale, son Kenneth T. Black of Saco, grandson Christian J. Black, his wife Monica and their daughter Clara of Longmont, CO, granddaughter Callie O. Black of Elmira, NY, granddaughter Ruby T. Black of Haverhill, MA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday at 10:00 AM at the Laurel Hill Cemetery Chapel, 293 Beach Street, Saco, where a funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow on the family lot in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Seashore Trolley Museum, P. O. Box A, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 or online at www.trolleymuseum.org.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.