State Rep. Russell Black to undergo surgery Friday

WILTON — An outpouring of concern was voiced Thursday as people learned Rep. Russell Black will undergo heart surgery for a quadruple bypass today, Friday.

Black is currently at Maine Medical Center awaiting surgery after testing revealed the need for at least a quadruple, and it may be a five or six bypass, daughter Melissa Black Canty, said.

Black represents House District 114 in the Maine House of Representatives. Towns within the district are Chesterville, Industry, New Vineyard, Strong, Temple and Wilton.

He has been really tired lately and went for testing Wednesday. He stayed in the Portland hospital to wait for Friday’s surgery, she said.

Where Black is a hard worker on the family farm and involved with legislative work and numerous outside activities, the family is thankful nothing happened and that the issue was found, Canty said.

Canty posted a request for prayer for her father on Facebook and the outpouring from people Thursday has meant so much, she said.

“You know people like your Dad, but to see how many generally care for him,” she said of people who have reached out and offered support to the family Thursday.

Black and his wife, Susan, live in Wilton and have four grown children, Melissa, Carrie, John and James Black and their families.