Henry Earl Black

Henry Earl Black, 82, died peacefully in his Sandwich home on October 14th, 2025, surrounded by family.

Henry was born on November 15th, 1942 in Katy, Texas to Margaret Rosener. At age 7, he moved to San Francisco, CA with his mother and two younger brothers, and forged a lifelong bond with the city. He played soccer at Mission High School and took an active role in raising his brothers, becoming a wonderful “dad” to them. They will always be grateful for his sacrifice and courage. 

At 18, Henry entered the Navy. He took part in the naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, reconnaissance in Haiti, and picket duty during atomic bomb testing at Christmas Island.

After the Navy, Henry studied at City College of San Francisco and received a degree in History. He took many labor history classes and often talked of the importance of folks banding together to improve working conditions.

In 1982, he married Betsy Webber, and spent the rest of his life devoted to her. Betsy became a powerful positive influence on Henry and he often spoke of their relationship with gratitude telling his brother “She saved my life." With little instruction or example, Henry became an excellent father to their two daughters, Millie and Julia. He took his girls camping, taught them curiosity and independence, gave the best advice, and made sure they knew he would do anything for them.

Henry retired from the United States Postal service after 30 years, where he carried mail up and down the hills of San Francisco. Henry became active in the Letter Carriers union and contributed to postal workers getting fair treatment. 

In 1998, he moved with his family to Sandwich, Illinois. For 17 years he worked at Waubonsee Community College where he befriended staff and students on every campus. Henry was an active reader, always with a book and newspaper at his side. His interest in history, politics, and literature was clear to anyone who met him. He participated in book clubs at the Sandwich and Plano libraries, and regularly acted as an election judge.

Traveling was a major part of Henry’s life. He made frequent trips to California and Washington DC to see his children. He completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain twice with Betsy after the age of 60. In the last ten years he visited South Korea, Japan, the UAE, the UK, Ireland, and Hawaii. 

Henry is survived by his wife Betsy Webber, his daughter Millie Black and her husband Steve Hench, his daughter Julia Black, his granddaughter Louise, his brothers Ray Black and Raleigh McLemore, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his mother Margaret Roesner.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held at the Sandwich VFW on November 15th, 2025 from 1-4pm. All are welcome.

According to his wishes, Henry’s ashes will be scattered off the SS Jeremiah O’Brien during San Francisco Fleet Week in 2026.