Obituary of Marilyn June Black

Marilyn June Black (née Kiss), of Chatham, NJ (formerly of Hilton Head, SC and Madison, NJ), passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Juniper Village with her family by her side. She was 90.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, Robert M. Black III and his wife Rosemary, Patricia Hemenway and her husband Arthur, Jennifer Limone and her husband Daniel, and Alison Black and her partner Ashvin Kalyanaraman; six grandchildren, Ben, Danielle, Gavin, Trevor, Danny and Shane; and one great-granddaughter, Miller. 

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert M. Black, Jr.; and her brother, Ronald Kiss.

Marilyn was born July 15, 1935 in Summit, NJ, and lived a life marked by family, service, and a love of learning.

She was the daughter of the late Koloman and Elsie Kiss and was raised in Union with her brother Ronald, graduating from Union High School. Growing up, Marilyn’s nickname was “Kissie” and she was a proud member of her friend group called the “Merry Devils.” She earned a bachelor’s degree from Trenton State University and dedicated herself to guiding and inspiring others through teaching.

Marilyn and her beloved husband, Robert M. Black, Jr., were married in 1959 and settled in Madison in 1960, where they raised their four children, first on Fletcher Place and then on Carteret Court. Marilyn was a devoted mother and wife; she put her teaching career on hold to nurture her family, and later returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher once her children were of school age. She remained proudly a “Jersey Girl” for life, cherishing summers spent at the family home in Lavallette, near her parents’ summer house and close to her brother Ronald’s shore home.

Her warmth extended beyond the family. In Madison, she volunteered with the Thursday Morning Club, taught cooking at the Madison Community House, and contributed her time during elections. After retirement, she and Bob moved to Hilton Head, SC, where they built a new circle of friends and embraced the slower pace of southern life. Marilyn volunteered at Moss Creek Library, Calhoun Station, and at various historical society events. After nearly three decades in Hilton Head, they relocated to Virginia before Bob’s passing in May 2023. Marilyn moved to New Jersey less than a year ago to be closer to family.

Marilyn was a lifelong reader and an avid bridge player, a pastime that brought joy to many longtime friends. Marilyn’s husband’s nickname for her was “Slick,” a fond reminder of the playful warmth that characterized their life together.

A celebration of life will be held for Marilyn this summer when the family will be together in Lavallette.

Marilyn’s legacy lives on in the love she shared, the children and grandchildren she raised, and the countless lives she touched through teaching, volunteering, and the simple joy of being a devoted Jersey Girl. She will be deeply missed.