Preston “Sonny Boy” Robert Black Dr., died Feb. 13 in his Lincoln Park home in Chicago after being stricken ill. Born May 26, 1949 in Alachua, FL. In 1965 through the Boys Club of Scranton Guidance Program, “Sonny Boy” as he was nicknamed by his loving family, was awarded a scholarship to the highly rated Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. After completing his sophomore year at Central High School in Scranton, PA where he established himself as an outstanding student. He was very active in Scranton PA Boys Club. After graduating from scholastically tough Phillips Academy, he was awarded $3,450 Freshman Scholarship to Harvard University. He graduated Cum Laude in History and Science. He then began his pre-medical studies and got his medical degree from Harvard. He did residencies in surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital and at Peter Brent Brigham Hospital. Dr. Black was raised in Scranton, PA and most of his family reside there. He was honored by his hometown of Scranton, PA in 1991 to speak at Bethel A.M.E. Church first brotherhood/sisterhood dinner. He received a key to the city and was welcomed by his family, friends, Rev. Richard E. Cox and citizens of the community. We all love and will miss him deeply. He is survived by three sisters: Charlotte LedBetter, Mildred Harvey and Ruth Jones; and one brother, Isreal Daniels Jr. all of Scranton, PA; brother-in-laws, uncles, aunts, and a host of nieces and nieces and nephews, cousins and loving caring friends of Scranton, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Vivian Black; three sisters: Freddie Mae Baldwin, Arga Faye Black and Beverly Jean Black; a brother, Edward “Pop” Daniels; and two nieces, Valerie June Kearney and Diane Kearney Harris.
