Edwin C. Black

Edwin C. Black Musician, Teacher, 84 Edwin C. Black, 84, of West Orange, NJ, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Born in Kittatining, PA, to the late Clair Black and Ethel Frampton, Edwin earned degrees from Montclair State University and Teacher’s College, Columbia University. He was also a proud veteran of the Naval Academy of Music. Edwin spent the majority of his teaching career as the orchestra conductor for Belleville’s Middle School and High School. Other teaching credits include Jersey City State College, Mountain High School, Bloomfield School District, and the Summer School at Dartmouth University. He performed with several organizations including 25 years with the Paper Mill Playhouse and was a founding member with over 30 years of service to the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea. Additional credits include: The NJ Pops, the NJ Philharmonic Concert at Carnegie Hall, Lake George Opera, Summit Symphony, Plainfield Symphony, NJ Symphony (first chair), Garden State Art Center, National Ballet @ Newark Symphony Hall, Tower Brass Trio Opera Theater of NJ, Chamber Symphony of NJ, Lakeland Youth Symphony (conductor), Choral Art Society, and the Montclair Early Music Group. He was a founding and charter member of the West Orange Community Band, the founder of Garden State Wedding Music, the conductor and later chairman of the Region 1 Junior High School Orchestra, and served as the NJ President of the American String Teacher’s Association. An avid NJ Jackals and Dallas Cowboys fan, Ed loved riding his bicycle, playing tennis, and reading in his spare time. He was married to the late Kathryn “Kay” Black for 38 years, and is survived by his children; Andrew Black, and Vivian Sturchio, and two grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 5:00 pm, Wednesday March 29, 2023, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 73 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your local Middle and High School Music programs. Funeral services have been entrusted to the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank St., (Rt. 23), Sussex, NJ. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com.

Edwin C. Black

August 5, 1938 - March 21, 2023