Leighton Earl Black of Hamden, Connecticut passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.  Leighton entered the world on June 7, 1930 in Westmoreland Jamaica to Stanley and Catherine Black.  He was the third child of 4 children. His brothers Douglas, Carlton and sister Cynthia.

He attended Knocklva Practical Training College in Westmoreland Jamaica and graduated in 1951 as an Agricultural Instructor.  He trained and taught farmers how to cultivate the land. His skill set included grafting which lead to his success in a citrus tree producing oranges and mandarins.  He loved and respected the land, nature and animals, especially horses. In his young adulthood he could be seen riding his horses around the district. Yearning for more opportunities he left Jamaica in 1969 for the US.  He arrived in Connecticut which would become his permanent home.  Soon after Zeta (Glo) who he met in Jamaica, would join him and they married. His pursuit of the American dream lead to owning a home in Hamden, CT.  He worked at Stop & Shop Inc. as a Selector in their distribution warehouse in North Haven, CT for 30 years and was a proud Teamster.  He never abandoned his love for the land. It was easily seen through the landscaping and gardening of his home. Saturdays were devoted to taking care of his vegetable garden, manicured lawns and planting beautiful flowers. His garden produced food not just for his family, but for everyone. Countless people would come by for callaloo, tomatoes, peppers, and many other vegetables. His home and garden were his labor of love. His other love was sports. There was not a sport he did not watch or know about. He also had a love of country and western movies, country music and comedies.  He could be found in the company of his brother Doug and extended family and friends playing dominoes and enjoying life.

Leighton is survived by his beloved wife Zeta Black of 50 years, daughters Paulette Phillips (Alan), Tanya Black (Kyle) and Nicole Black (Chizoba). Grandchildren Gavin, Sharon, Mekhi, Zoe, Jaxon and great granddaughter Amiyah.  Along with many loving nieces, nephews, brother and sister in laws extended family and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, July 28 ^th at Hamden Memorial Funeral Home. The viewing is from 10 am to 11 am and service from 11 am to 12:30 pm.  The service will be zoomed for those who cannot attend. Please know due to the current pandemic we fully understand if you cannot attend. Your thoughts, prayers and loving memories of Leighton is in lieu of your presence. Condolences may be expressed at hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com