John Francis Black, 80, of Rockford passed away on April 26, 2026. Born December 29, 1945 in Evergreen Park, son of Francis and Margaret (Knapp) Black. Graduate of Evergreen Park High School. In his youth, John was on the football and soccer teams in high school, and reached the level of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. John proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He attended Kishwaukee College, Lake County College and Northern Illinois University. He was the owner of This Old Hammer, a construction company that worked all over the Northern Illinois region. He was united in marriage to Frances Maroney on November 1, 1997 in Rockford. They enjoyed traveling in their camper all over the Midwest to see new places and to spend time together and with their lifelong friends in the "Camping Gang." John was an incredibly talented chef. He was skilled at sampling a recipe and perfecting it to his exacting (and delicious) standards. His wonderful meals will be missed by his loved ones, especially his smoked pulled pork. He was an adoring and doting grandfather who took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandson. He was fondly known as the "Tickle Monster." John enjoyed helping Fran in the garden, puttering around the yard and spent several years remodeling the home that he and Fran made so many family memories in over the years. In his spare time, you could find John with a pile of scratch off lotto tickets or on a quick trip to the slots to have a little fun. He is survived by his wife, Fran; children, Jennifer Moss, John (Rolia) Moss, Amy Sorrells; grandchildren, Noah Peterson, Travis Saylor, Pauline Saylor, Rebecka Saylor, Christina Saylor, Zoey Moss, Zoel Moss, Zane Moss; great-grandchild, Bryson Lapier; sister, Jane (Carl) Moraw: several nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan Frensen. Cremation rites to be accorded. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .