Deborah Black

Deborah A. Black, 77, of Johnstown, PA passed away at peace on July 20, 2025, at Indiana Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 15, 1948, she was the daughter of the late William and Anne (Bako) Pilat. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ronald L. Black, Jr., sister, Mary Linda Trexler, and brother, William Pilat.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Ronald L. Black, Sr., daughter Lynanne Black (Keith Uncapher), grandchildren Keith II, Vesta, and Isabella Uncapher, brothers-in-law Charles Black (Sherri), James Black (Anise), and Donald Trexler, sister-in-law Patricia McIlwain, special friend, Marie Webb, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Deborah graduated from Bishop McCort High School in 1966 and earned an associate’s degree in child development from Mount Aloysius College. Her education combined with a nurturing instinct motivated her to operate a home day care and subsequently become a Nursery Supervisor at Daydreams Day Care. In later years, Deborah was a personal care aide for elderly patients at the Presbyterian home and in individuals’ homes. Her caring and compassionate heart for all from the youngest to the most senior left a lasting and profound impact on all lives she touched.

Deborah received a kidney transplant from her nephew, Kevin McIlwain, in 1996, a miracle gift that provided her with years of joy. Deborah had an artistic eye and loved to sketch and doodle to pass the time.  She thoroughly enjoyed beach vacations, sitting at the edge of the water, and listening to the crashing waves. She relished crosswords, word search puzzles, and sudoku, as well as all things patriotic and red, white, and blue. She loved holidays and had the perfect outfit and headband for each one. She often prayed the rosary and relied on her “dream team” (Padre Pio, Bishop Neumann, St. Therese, Mother Theresa, Prince Galitzan, St. Jude, St. Michael, and St. Florian) to get her through these last several years.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend that will always be missed.

Deborah endured Polycystic Kidney Disease with ups and downs throughout her life. Thank you to Camille Miller, PA-C, and all Deborah’s caregivers at IRMC, UPMC, Visiting Nurses of Indiana County, Penn Health, Citizen’s Ambulance, and DCI Blairsville for their support, care, and comfort. A special thank you to Mrs. Eileen Nelson, Deborah’s in home caregiver, who was an absolute blessing this past year to her and her family.

Friends will be received from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Boulevard, Johnstown, PA 15905.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Interment to follow at Grandview Cemetery.

Donations to the PKD Foundation are welcomed; visit www.pkdcure.org.

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