Memorial Page

Chief Richard Black

Chief Richard Black passed away peacefully at his home on June 23, 2022, after a long battle with a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary (nee Donnelly); his son Matthew (Carrie Lessel); daughters Katie (Scott) Horton and Alicia (John) Burke; sister Barbara (John) Hall; grandchildren Maggie, Maura, Lia, Max, Lucy, Clara, Teddy, and Vivien; dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore Black and Mary Jane Major.

Chief Richard Black retired from the Glendale Police Department on July 11, 2011.  He served a total of 42 with the Glendale Police Department, including 17 years as a patrolman & sergeant and 25 years as the Police Chief.

He was a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy for police leaders and executives.  He was a member of several professional organization including the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association, the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Associates, and the Professional Investigators Council of Greater St. Louis.  He was also a member and past president of the Kirkwood Rotary Club.

Chief Richard Black loved sports and officiated high school football & basketball games for 30 years as a member of the St. Louis Area Sports Officials Association.  He was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Parish where he served as an usher for many years at 10:30 Mass.

After retirement, Chief Black became a "snowbird" and enjoyed warm winters in Marco Island, Florida.  He loved reading, Sudoku puzzles and attending his grandchildren's sports events and dance recitals.

The City of Glendale and Glendale Police Department are eternally grateful for Chief Richard Black's dedicated service.  He will be missed dearly by us all.