Hugh W. “Duke” Black, Jr.
September 14, 1945 - September 13, 2023
Hugh W. “Duke” Black, Jr., age 77, Bear, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
Born in Wilmington, DE on September 14, 1945, he was the son of the late Hugh W. and Mary Louise (Poore) Black, Sr. Duke grew up in Minquadale and graduated from De La Warr High School in 1963. He attended Wesley College and then went on to serve the next 6 years in the Delaware National Guard and defended the state of Delaware in the Wilmington riots in 1968. Duke was a talented entrepreneur, owning and managing several businesses.
Duke was an avid pool player and loved boating and fishing. One of his passions was his antique car collection and he attended car shows throughout the tri-state area. Duke’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and going “on tour” in New Castle and Sussex County (IYKYK).
Duke is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Charlyn M. Wilson-Black; son, Hugh W. “Trey” Black, III; stepsons, James Wilson, Robert Wilson (Colleen), and Jonathan Wilson (Angela); seven grandchildren; and his former wife and longtime friend, Arlene P. Black.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
Betty J Kennedy
To all our mutual friends from DLW please picture me as being at the service on Wednesday. I assure you I am there in spirit, Duke was always a good friend to me and I miss him already. Love to his family.
Trish Smith
Was so sorry to hear of Duke’s passing. He was a first cousin of my husband (David Hugh Smith} Also knew him growing up in Minquadale, going to Minquadale Methodist Church and throughout school. Condolences to his family.
Charles Gross
Great memories with a great friend.
Charlie Gross
Michael & Diana Boyle
My husband said it best to the players of the APA that Duke ran for so long:
This is hard for me. In 1991 I joined this league I love so much and started a journey that has brought me great joy. I was hired by what I felt was a giant of a man who was a great businessman and became a friend that taught me a lot about not only the APA, how to handle different situations, but life in general. Along the way he passed his love for being a League Operator on to me, when it came time to sell the franchise he looked me in the eye and said I believe it’s time you take over, I was honored and thrilled to finally become the League Operator of area 232, along with Diana. I saw Duke Black almost everyday for 32 years and everyday I enjoyed his stories, his knowledge of the APA his love of vintage cars, the beach and so many other things. Like others we butted heads many a time, as I’m sure others did. Duke was always steadfast in his ways. Sometimes I won out and he’d say that’s a great idea. Other times he’d say you can do that when you own the league, and we are doing just that. I can’t thank him enough for everything he ever did for Diana, Tyler and I. It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say goodbye to my mentor and friend, Hugh W Black Jr, better known as Duke, at about 8:45 pm last night with family by his side Duke passed away. Today would have been his 78th birthday. Happy heavenly birthday Duke, hope there are pool tables and all your old pool playing friends let you play break the first rack. Godspeed my friend!
Bob and Lyn Jadick
Duke was a “car guy” , a very cool guy, and an all around good guy. He will be missed by so many of his car guy friends.
REST IN PEACE DUKE.
Bob jadick
John Young
Sorry to hear of Duke’s passing. He had a great car collection and was a nice gent to speak with, he will be missed.
My condolences to his family and friends. RIP Duke.
MaryAnne Brennan
Duke was the brother that my brother Neal Sobocinskl never had. I was the older sister that watched them grow up together. Born 5 days apart in the Wilmington General Hospital which then began a lifetime brotherhood. As the big sister I watched you both grow up together. Duke you will be greatly missed by all who knew you & Loved you, me included. My deepest sympathy to your family. Mary Anne