Thomas Everett Black, 82
Thomas Everett Black, a Harvard graduate, Navy veteran, loving husband of 43 years, father of three, and grandfather of eight, died August 25, 2026, after a battle with cancer.
Born in Boston in 1943, he grew up in Lincoln. He was the middle child of Everett and Anne Black. After attending The Fenn School and Phillips Exeter Academy, he graduated from Harvard University in the class of 1966. He served for many years as class secretary and took great pride in writing the monthly class newsletter until the end of his life. He was very active in planning his class reunions and was also a member of The Happy Committee for many years, serving as an usher at Harvard’s commencement, an annual event he always looked forward to.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1972 as chief engineer of the USS Sedgwick County (LST 1123) in Vietnam. Upon leaving the Navy, he began his career in business development, working with banks, developers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Tom grew up sailing, which became a lifelong passion. He was an avid runner and a member of the Acton Runners for 40 years. A talented model ship builder, he crafted intricate models from scratch in his workshop, often donating these models to various organizations and friends. Additionally, Tom was a loyal member of his book club of 30 years, reading each book cover to cover. A man of routine, he read three newspapers in the morning and enjoyed a nap each afternoon, and his evening martini was straight up with olives.
He was an active member of every community in which he lived, serving on the finance committees of both Lincoln and Maynard. He was treasurer on the boards of C4RJ, a restorative justice non-profit, and of Epiphany School in the critical early days of the school’s history.
Tom was baptized at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields in Lincoln and remained a dedicated parishioner all his life. He was an active member of the Wednesday morning men’s group, a onetime treasurer, a member of the Altar Guild, a lay Eucharistic minister, lector, and crucifer.
Above all, Tom loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Nancy Ellis Black; his three children Heather Davenport, Andrew Black, and Sophie Dingle; two sons-in-law Christian Davenport and Ryan Dingle; a daughter-in-law Jessica Black; and eight grandchildren; as well as his brother Stanly Black and partner Beth Humstone. He was predeceased by his sister Pamela Hay. He also leaves behind a large extended family and many friends.
Tom’s memorial service will be held Saturday, October 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields, 147 Acton Road, Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom’s name may be made to Communities for Restorative Justice, P.O. Box 961074, Boston, MA 02196; or to St. Anne’s in-the-Fields, P.O. Box 6, Lincoln, MA 01773.
Arrangements are under the care of Acton Funeral Home, concordfuneral.com.
