Longtime Honolulu journalist John Black died Saturday in St. Francis Hospice after a long battle with cancer. He was 56.

In June, Black was inducted into the Society of Professional Journalists Hawai'i hall of fame for his decades of dedication to journalism and for helping young journalists get their start in the news business.

Black worked most of his career in Honolulu for Trade Publishing Co., whose publications included Building Industry, Hawaii Hospitality and Hawaii Food and Beverage Industry. At one point, he also ran his own publishing company, Rainbow Pacific, named after his wife, Rainbow Lu.

Black was a mainstay of the scholarship and internship program for Hawai'i journalists, first with the Honolulu Press Club and later with the Society of Professional Journalists.

Longtime friend Penny Rogers recalled him as a dedicated advocate. "He was a quiet man who never sought fame but whose contribution was just as significant as those on center stage," she said.

Rogers also noted his lengthy community service, especially linked to schools attended by his son, Nolan.

Born in New York, Black spoke Mandarin and French and came to the Islands as an East-West Center student after graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Pennsylvania State University.

He is survived by his wife; son, Nolan; sister, Ann Black of Pittsburgh; and brother Robert of North Tonawanda, N.Y.

A Mass is scheduled for noon Saturday at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral. Visitation is at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at 1:20 p.m. at Nu'uanu Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his son's college fund. Arrangements are by Nu'uanu Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.