Dennis George Black
February 12, 1941 - August 28, 2025

Dennis, Papa, Big D, was born in Eureka. He grew up on Little Fairfield Street with his siblings John, Carol Lee and Tim.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Columbus which at the time was the newest ship in the U.S. Fleet.

After his stint in the Navy he returned to Humboldt County to raise his family. Robert and Richard came along with Kristina soon after.

Dennis spent most of his working career in the pulp industry with Georgia Pacific and then Louisiana Pacific. He was a true union man and skilled pipe fitter and welder for many years.

His welding skills helped him find his way into stock car racing. While never a driver he had the pleasure of working on cars with Denny Myers, Rudy Zeck and Larry Pries.

Dennis married his true love Sandra in 1974, and his family grew by three with Sandra’s daughters Edie and Melissa.

After all of the kids moved on Dennis and Sandra moved to Mckinleyville to retire.

Papa loved hunting, fishing, cribbage and wood working.

Papa was a proud grandfather of three wonderful grand children, and a great-granddaughter. He very seldom missed a sporting event or school performance.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years Sandra, his brother John, sister Carol Lee, brother-in-law Pete, and nephews David Black and Jimmy Pastori.

He is survived by his children, Edie Fontana Swindell, Rich Black and his wife Tracy and their children Conner and Kendall and her husband Will and their daughter Blair, Melissa Fontana Evenson and herDennis George Black husband James, and Kristina Silberschlag and her daughter Carly. (Papa was always proud to tell people the his granddaughter Carly was in the USAF)

He is also survived by his younger brother Tim Black and his wife Kathy, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. And last his cherished sweet dog Tillie, who has graciously been adopted by Melissa and James, and his favorite cribbage partner cousin, Jeannie.

Services were performed by Ayers Family Cremation, Eureka.