Obituaries

In Memoriam: Sean Townshend Black, 32

Sean Townshend Black, of West Long Branch, passed away on Sunday, April 21, from cardio-renal syndrome, a complication of his end-stage renal disease, after an 18-year struggle with diabetes, depression and drug addiction. He was 32.

“Despite his ongoing health battles, he was consistent with his love for the things about which he was passionate. He was a tall, magnificent hugger who loved all things historic, reading, debating politics, animals, mini golf, the beach, his nieces and nephews, and having fun with his entire extended family, particularly during our annual trips to LBI. Sean was a brave person who cared deeply about human rights, passionately defended his principles, and stood up for people in need. Sean attended Brookdale Community College in Lincroft and transferred to Rutgers University. When Rutgers temporarily closed in-person classes in early 2020, he was working hard as a 4.0 student majoring in International Relations. Unfortunately, his illnesses worsened at that time but he fought until the end, still displaying a sense of humor and his great smile.”

Loved ones of Sean Townshend Black in his obituary

He was predeceased by: his father, Robert F. Black Sr.; and grandparents, Curtis S. Townshend Sr., and James and Virginia Black.

Sean is survived by: his mother, Lynn Townshend; grandmother, Kathleen Townshend; sister and brother-in-law Alyssa and Bobby Stutz and nephews Robert, Weston, and Cormick; brother and sister-in-law Robbie and Sabriye Black and nieces Alara, Leyla and nephew Landon; aunts and uncles, Bob and Jackie Townshend, Elaine and Dave Paley, Curt and Anne Townshend, Kim and Chris Watts, Kathleen and Pete Dugan; and cousins, Dan (Charlene), Michelle (Andrew), Debbie (Ben), Courtney (Pat), Kera (Ryan), Curt (Mel), Chris (Jenna), Bryan (Bree), Taylor (Brett), Jack, Tracey, (Billy), Mary, and Abby.        

Memorial visitation will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 380 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 on Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will held on Friday, April 26, at 11 a.m. at the church.           

Donations in Sean’s memory may be made to Christ Church Shrewsbury, (380 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury NJ 07702), or Covenant House NJ (attn: Anne Randolph, 330 Washington Street, Newark NJ 07102, with donation directed to the Asbury Park House, or go to the website at https://covenanthousenj.org/.