Chantilly, VA

Alexandria, VA

Richard "RC" Craig Black

richard "rc" black

April 7, 1947 ~ March 12, 2021


Richard Craig Black (RC) passed peacefully at home in the arms of his loving family on the morning of March 12th 2021. 

RC and his wife Carol Casazza of Tewksbury, Massachusetts made their home in Alexandria, VA. He was the son of Duncan Frasier Black and Virginia Black of Middletown, New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his sister Shelley (Black) Foulks. 

RC leaves 2 sons: Kelly Black and his wife Erin of Orlando FL, and Joshua Black and his wife Jennifer of Winter Park, FL and their three children Ireland, Brooklyn, and Elle. He also leaves his nephew Gary Foulks of New Jersey .

RC had a kind soul, he loved his little dogs Molly, Duncan, and Eddie who preceded him in death and Emily and Kristen who miss him dearly. He shared his pillow with Emily every night. RC had a great respect for service men and women. He spent his entire career of 50 years working for the U.S. Army after his Vietnam era enlistment as a Sargeant. RC was quiet and unassuming, he loved and he was loved.

Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery to be announced at a later date as well as a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: American Diabetes Association, Purple Heart, or any local animal rescue organization of your choosing.
 

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  1. Craig or RC as many of us called him was a dear and good friend back in our Middletown days. We spent many a Sunday watching football in the upstairs den with his dad while his mom always made us food to tide us over. Had many a meal there over those early years. I had worked for a time for Duncan in his Metal Shop in Matawan as did 2 other gif friends from those days. (Da e Phillips and Terry Trinidad). Craig and I would play guitar together quite often. I would sing as well while RC tried but, well let’s just say he tried. Loved him for it back then. We took many drives in his Red Mustang out to Holmdel (Dave’s house) or wherever our moods took us. His sister Shelly was our conscious or tried to be. I lost track of him over the years but received an email from him it seems not too long ago. We.never reconnected , but somehow he would always creep back into my mind. A song, a friend, a car, even a movie thought, and I’d be right back in Middletown. His boys were named after a couple of our favorite TV stars characters. Never forgot that. He was one of a kind. A rare gentleman back in the day when it was more about protests and disrespect. I cherish the times we spent together and the several times we saw each other in the late 70’s. Last time I saw him was 82 or 83 in the new home we had bought in Leonardo. Never saw him again but as I said, always in the back of my mind. God bless you RC as you have gone to that new light. Love you man. Peace!

  2. deepest condolences to Carol Casazza and the family of Richard Black. God bless you with comfort and peace. Marilee Snook Elias, Lady Lake, FL

  3. We are so sorry to hear about such a great loss.  RC will be greatly missed.  
    Our love and condolences to the entire Black family. 

  4. The early mornings in the office are just not the same without the presence of RC.  He was quiet and unassuming but always ready to go the extra mile to accomplish our Army/medical mission.  My thoughts and prayers with his family.  He was one of a kind and will truly be missed.

    Friend and co-worker, Teresa Dillon, Falls Church, VA

  5. My memories of RC are fond and warm. When I first met him about three years ago and addressed him as Mr. Black he quietly corrected me and said, “Scott, it’s just RC.”
    RC had a big heart and showed he cared about others daily. He often asked how my family was doing and provided a beautiful quilt to my son and daughter. 
    RC was a colleague, friend and a patriot. Sending our deepest sympathies to the Black family.

  6. I was RC’s sponsor when he return to the United States after spending most of his government career in Germany.  As his sponsor, it was my job to welcome him to his new organization and help him get settled, which included helping him find a place to stay until he gets to know the area.

    The first time Mary and I actually met RC was when we pick him up at the airport.   He was supposed to be holding up a sign to help us find him and I turned to Mary and said where do you think RC is?  He said I am standing right behind you, we turned and there he was holding up two bottles of wine.
    He ended up staying with us for the next couple of months, until he found a place he wanted to live.  We were close friends for more than 25 years.

    So how do we honor the passing of our dear friend RC, without saying goodbye?  I believe that everyone who knew RC could describe what he meant to them in one of these quotes:

    •    A true friend is never truly gone. Their spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved him.

    •    They say friends are the family we choose and are the ones who know our hearts, our minds and choose us as their friends anyway.

    But for us it is that “We are better people for having known RC.”

    With Eternal Love,
    Jeff and Mary Westerman

  7. I am Craigs cousin and have been trying to locate him for over 10 years. I searched the internet for years and finally found him today. We grew up together at family get togethers and attended college in some of the same classes. My parents and Craigs parents inherited Marlboro Tool Company in Matawan NJ from our grand mother in 1955. Please accept my condolences.

    • Hello Alan,

      I am so sorry I didn’t write sooner, I just figured out how to do that. I am so sorry for the late notice, but RC is being intured at Arlington Cemetery on Sept 21 at 3:00pm. If you are in the area I think he would love for you to be there. He would have loved to have heard from you.


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