Robert "Bob" Andrew Black, of Bridgeport, passed away Sunday, September 14th, 2025, at WVU/Wheeling Hospital surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old. Bob was born on September 18th, 1936, in Adena, Ohio to Andrew (Andy) and Julia (Strauss) Black.

A proud Veteran, Bob served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1958. After completing training in New York and Alabama, he was stationed in Colorado.  Following service, Bob joined PrePack Concrete Company in Cleveland, working alongside his father, a supervisor. This work took him to multiple countries in South America. Closer to home, Bob worked as a welder at the Georgetown Central Shop of Hanna Coal-Consolidation Coal Company. In October 1961, Bob married JoAnn Figuray. Together, they raised two children in a warm and loving home. Bob closed out his work-life as a school bus driver for Bellaire City Schools. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 132 (through which he operated heavy equipment) and the Masonic Lodge of Bridgeport # 181-Scottish Rite of Steubenville.

Bob believed in hard work and helping others. He lived by practicing small acts of kindness, delivered with great love. "Family first" was his hallmark. During their 64 years of marriage, one of the ways Bob showed his love was by having their home be the gathering place for JoAnn's extended family for holidays, celebrations, and family losses. Bob cared deeply for JoAnn and always made sure that he took her "down the hill" to church on snowy days. He instilled the values of hard work and virtue in his children, then stepped back to let them fly. They soared, knowing he was standing by with ready support whenever needed. He was ever-present for his children growing up, whether it was coaching Mark's hockey team, taking him on a fishing trip to Canada, or watching Sherri's dance recitals and the half-time performances at the high school football games. He was always there. Bob was equally proud of his grandsons and eager to learn about their adventures. Bob's life philosophy was to "jump on the train" and to be on "go"—ready to do whatever it takes, no matter the circumstances. This held true until the very end of his life. Bob often showed his affection by giving family nicknames which his nieces and nephews remember some 40 years later. Bob was skilled at working with his hands and could fix or reconstruct just about anything in the house. He was quick with numbers and figures and loved reading about U.S. history. Bob was a devoted patron of the Bridgeport Library and a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn (Figuray) Black; son, Mark Andrew Black; daughter, Sherri (Peter) Flynn; grandsons, Andrew and Thomas Flynn; brother, Richard Black; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 19th, 2025, at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wolfhurst, with Fr. John Mucha officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bridgeport Public Library, 661 Main St. Bridgeport, Ohio 43912.

Our deepest appreciation to the WVU /Wheeling Hospital doctors and 4th Floor, Tower 5 staff for their professional and compassionate care, and with special gratitude to Ryan, Mandi, Sarah and Jeanine. Also, a heart-felt thank-you to Dr. Comerci for so many years of great care.

Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Rd., Bridgeport, OH 43912 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

To leave your condolences online, please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com