Dr. Joseph Thomas Black, October 27, 1939 – June 17, 2025
Dr. Joseph Thomas Black, a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and neurologist, died peacefully at his home in Clayton, on June 17, 2025, just one day after returning from a family trip to Seattle. He was 85 years old.
Joe is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Julie; his son Hugh (Amy); grandsons Oliver and Charlie; stepsons Matt (Jennifer) and Ken; nephew Michael; and his dog Jazzy.
Born in Rochester, New York, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester and went on to receive his medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Joe began his training in Neurology in 1965 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
He served as a doctor in the Air Force then in 1976 he joined the distinguished private practice of Levy, Berg, and Weiss. Joe was a respected teacher and mentor in the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. He led the neurology resident morning report for 15 years sharing his clinical knowledge and training hundreds of physicians in the art and science of neurology. In recognition of his contributions, a conference room at Barnes was named in his honor upon his retirement.
A former marathon runner and accomplished cyclist, Joe medaled in many races on the national and world stage, winning the gold medal in the 2024 National Championship time trial event at the age of 84. He loved adventure travel, exploring over 45 countries including Kenya, Pakistan, and India. His was a fertile mind with a broad range of interests, including genetics, physics, literature, and military and world history. He had a special passion for the Civil War and WWII periods.
His pursuit of scholarship set an example for his children. Joe was especially proud of his son, Hugh, who followed in his footsteps to become an esteemed physician. He was also extremely supportive of his stepsons, Matt and Ken, in their educational and career pursuit.
Joe possessed a boundless sense of humor. He exhibited generosity, patience and wisdom to those who came to him in difficult times. Most of all, Joe was a man of substance and character who will be remembered with love and respect by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or the APA of Saint Louis (www.apamo.org). Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
