Pear tree ?

[Yarg]

So I have been releasing several old fruit trees this pear tree has been heavily shaded it's probably about 25 feet tall. The pictures are not the best however below the buds the branches are very thick and black.. is this a sign of disease or just an old tree that hasn't been getting enough Sun. Thanks

 

[Prof.Kent]

My brother had a pear tree that looked like that. The branches effected died. Due to winter kill I think, not disease, because it bounced back.