Sean Townshend Black, 32, of West Long Branch, passed away April 21, 2024, from cardiorenal syndrome, a complication from end-stage renal disease, after an 18-year struggle with Type 1 diabetes, depression and drug addiction.
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 historical, reading, debating politics, animals, mini-golf, the beach, his nieces and nephews, and having fun with his entire extended family, particularly during annual trips to Long Beach Island.
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.
Sean was predeceased by his father Robert F. Black Sr. and grandparents, Curtis S. Townshend Sr. and James and Virginia Black. He is survived by his mother Lynn Townshend; sister and brother-in-law Alyssa and Bobby Stutz (nephews Robert, Weston and Cormick); brother and sister-in-law Robbie and Sabriye Black (nieces Alara and Leyla and nephew Landon); grandmother Kathleen Townshend; aunts and uncles Elaine and Dave Paley, Curt and Anne Townshend, Kim and Chris Watts, Kathleen and Pete Dugan, and Bob and Jackie Townshend; 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 took place April 25 at Christ Episcopal Church, Shrewsbury. A memorial service was held April 26 at the church.
Donations in Sean’s memory may be made to Christ Church Shrewsbury, 380 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, or Covenant House NJ, Attn: Anne Randolph, 330 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102 or covenanthousenj.org, with donation directed to the Asbury Park House. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the May 16 – 22, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
