Betty H. Black

Betty Hurley Black, of Mt. Lebanon, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the age of 87.

Daughter of the late Martin and Edna (Cline) Hurley. Beloved wife of 63 years to Richard Black; mother of David (Juliet), Doug (Staci) and Deron (Anne Marie) Black; grandmother of Noah, Nathanael, Micah, Rachel, Katherine, Nicholas and Matthew Black; sister of Alan Hurley and the late Martin Hurley.

Betty grew up in the New York City suburb of Rahway, NJ the daughter of a nurse and a Port Authority of NY/NJ police captain, the latter a fact she would point to as the source of her ‘smartly aggressive’ driving style and something she referenced when reminding her sons that she was too sharp for them to pull any mischief.

Following forays into basketball and ice skating, in high school Betty found a life-long passion in cheerleading, something she would remain involved with for many years.  After high school, she left the excitement of the East Coast for small town living in West Virginia at Bethany College.  She worked two jobs to put herself through college, and met life-long friends there, including a few who invited her to share an apartment in Pittsburgh with them after graduation.

Betty began teaching 1st grade at Markham Elementary in Mt. Lebanon in 1960, where she was a natural at connecting with her young students. Her creativity and enthusiasm got her appointed the after-school sports supervisor and once earned her a visit with the superintendent. Her first winter in the position, she used some carefully placed 2x4s to flood the school tennis courts, creating an impromptu ice rink for the kids, and consternation for neighborhood tennis players.

It was at Mt Lebanon where she would soon make her connection for life, as she went on a blind date with a high school math teacher and the basketball coach at Mt. Lebanon, Dick Black - less than a year later, they were married.

For almost four decades, Betty was Mt. Lebanon basketball’s No. 1 fan, sitting a few rows behind the scorers’ table at every home game, offering her boisterous support for both the Lebo basketball team and both cheerleading squads.  In contrast to her husband’s famously stoic demeanor on the bench, she was often hard on the refs, and not just when one of their three sons was on the court playing.  During much of that time, she was also a regular presence at area cheerleading competitions and tryouts, always encouraging those following her footsteps.

Betty was a long-time member and former President of the South Hills College Club, and a very competitive roller in their bowling league. For years she was a vison screening volunteer for the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind.  Later, she became the beloved office receptionist for dentists Dr. William Amos and Dr. Bryan Amos, where over fifteen years, the patients and staff became like a second family to her.  

Her kindness and positive demeanor extended throughout her life, and she was good friend and wonderful guest. She was a careful listener and she loved to laugh, even at herself. Betty and Dick were fortunate to have many friends with whom they shared dinner parties, Bridge club, Christmas cards, and summer trips over the years. 

Through it all, her most cherished role was as a devoted wife, mother, and later grandmother.  She always put the needs of her family in front of her own – selflessly sacrificing and supporting the time demands that go with being a ‘coach’s wife’ and her boys’ ever-present activities.  That further blossomed with her grandchildren – she loved celebrating every birthday and holiday with them and joyfully attended more games, matches, talent shows and concerts that anyone could count and proudly displaying their art and homemade cards.  She was unfailingly enthusiastic and kind and celebrated each performance or accomplishment with positivity - never asking anything in return except a smile and a hug.   That spirit will be missed, but the memories will remain forever.  

Friends received on Wednesday, February 18th from 5pm until 8pm at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Funeral service and interment will be private to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions suggested to VisAbility Pittsburgh at visability.org (previously Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh).

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