Bernard "Bernie" Portley Black was born on October 28, 1948, in Amsterdam, NY and passed on September 8, 2022, after a valiant 9-month battle with stage IV throat cancer, with his youngest daughter by his side in Cape Coral, Florida.

Bernie was unapologetically himself who held strong to his convictions. He was blessed with good fortune that he gladly shared with those around him. His positive outlook on life and unique sense of humor uplifted those of us who experienced misfortune.

He enlisted in the US Marines in 1965 where he completed sniper training along with two tours of service in Vietnam. He was an active member of the military veteran groups American Legion, VFW, and Forty and Eight. He was past commander and state commander of the American Legion Post 701 in Amsterdam, New York.

He is predeceased by his mother, Margaret Portley; his father, Bennett Black; his brothers, James Black and Bennett Black; his sister, Shirley Kwiatkowski; and his stepson, Paul Dunn MacDougall.

He is survived by his children, Maggie (Nickolas) Fordley of Malta, New York; Tracie Black Snell of Johnstown, New York; Joe Black of Gloversville, New York; and Kara (Ard) Puka of New York, New York.

Bernard is also survived by six grandchildren, one great grandchild, his best friend of 42 years, Joanna Leonard, and her children, Jason and Jennifer, along with his sisters, Mary Jane Black and Elizabeth Black Frazier.

Bernie requested not to have any religious service, opting to have his cremated remains scattered. In lieu of cards and flowers, his family requests donations be made to his favorite charities, The Wounded Warrior Project and The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

The Celebration of Life will be on October 14, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post in Amsterdam, New York.