Peter Paul Black

Peter Paul Black, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dedicated servant to both his community and country, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on December 14, 1960, at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan, Peter led a life defined by kindness, commitment, and unwavering generosity.

Peter was the devoted husband of Susan Cheyne Black, with whom he shared 40 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a loving family and raised two cherished children, Jonathon Cheyne Black and Christine Alexander. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Elizabeth Ann Alexander and Florence Jaye Alexander, who brought him immense joy and laughter.

Peter earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield, Michigan. He went on to serve his country as a dedicated Civilian Electrical Engineer for the Department of Defense for 32 years, where his work was marked by integrity, innovation, and professionalism.

Over the course of his career, Peter received several prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions to national defense and technological advancement. He was honored with The Lawrence J. Rhoades Award for his outstanding contributions to U.S. Defense Manufacturing, and in 2002, he received the National Tibbetts Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for his exceptional work with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

Peter’s life was rooted in service—to his family, his church, and his community. He was a dedicated member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he served as a sound technician and was an enthusiastic member of the men’s choir. His commitment to outreach and missions led him to serve on the Aldersgate United Methodist Mission Board and volunteer with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and CASA (Care Assurance System for the Aging). One of the most meaningful chapters of his service was a mission trip to Costa Rica, where he helped support and uplift underserved communities.

Peter was the beloved brother of Mike (Shelley) Black, Patricia (Tom) Pecos, Chris (Lorrie) Black, Rob (Kim) Black, and Dan (Jane) Black. He is also remembered with affection by his 19 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy (Jim) Konyha, and his parents, Lee and Justine Black.

In his leisure time, Peter enjoyed woodworking, creating spin art, watching Detroit Tigers baseball, fishing, driving his Miata sports car, and helping others in any way he could. Whether behind a soundboard, in his workshop, or lending a hand to a friend or stranger, Peter brought creativity, humor, and compassion to everything he did.

Peter’s legacy is one of faith, humility, generosity, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service to celebrate Peter’s life will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 12901 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville, AL 35803. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Peter’s honor to HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, to further Alzheimer’s research in hopes of finding a cure: donate.hudsonalpha.org/AnnualSupport. Choose the donation amount, give a gift in memory of Pete, and select the Memory & Mobility Program as the program destination. If you would like to send a check, make it payable to HudsonAlpha Foundation and mail to 601 Genome Way, Huntsville, AL 35806 and put in the memo in memory of Pete Black, M&M Program. 

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