Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith
Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton
WRITING TO ROLETA1@AOL.COM
When some of you see the blue email address to write to me,
you can click on it and a letter form will appear (pop-up) on which to write your correspondence.
However, for others, this apparently does not work; this may be caused in some
way by the settings that are on your computer. I don’t know, but you do not need to change anything.
The answer is: If it doesn't work for you, then just write
an email to me the same
way you always have, Roleta1@aol.com. I still get it the same way. I can’t tell the
difference….the “new” way is aimed to be a convenience for you only so that
more people would write more often.
Note: There is always a Questions or Comments link to email me available on the Newsletter Side Bar (to the right of the post) for your convenience, too.
Note: There is always a Questions or Comments link to email me available on the Newsletter Side Bar (to the right of the post) for your convenience, too.
Judy Daugherty Kimler is retired from the newsletter. Per
her request, please refrain from bothering her with questions about the
newsletter. Due to health reasons, Judy does not check e-mail regarding
the newsletter.
All Correspondence Should Go Directly to Roleta1@aol.com
(The Only Newsletter Contact)
Photo by Jill Snyder (Mike’s wife)
“baby, it’s cold outside!”
HURRY UP SPRING
From:
Mike Snyder (WI 1957)
fastwaterflyfishing@yahoo.com
Thought
readers would like to see what Blackwater
Falls looked like this
February, 2015. It is a
rare sight to see because of the warm winters we have had in recent years.
THE 2015
WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT
Pictured
above are Pam Wolfe Brown (WI 1960) and Kitty Sager (wife of Don Sager (WI
1956). These two ladies were present at the picnic and represented all the
wonderful WIN Scholarship Quilters who participated in making the quilt. All
this effort was headed up by Sue Selby Moats (WI 1955) who came up with this
idea as a way to earn money for the scholarship.
The Scholarship Drive started
in December 2015. From that point on, all money sent to the scholarship was
designated as being part of the count for the quilt drive. We even received a
wonderful check (a surprise) from an anonymous donor who sent us $1,000.00 for
the scholarship. This check pushed our total for the scholarship/quilt drive at
$6,210.00. A record breaker for us!
Thank you
Sue, you and the ladies have done a splendid job. The name of the quilt was “Mary’s
Friendship Garden ” in memory of Mary Harbert
Nophsker (a WI 1958 graduate) who was a WIN quilt square maker. Mary died in
2014 and her quilting club finished her square for our quilt). Look at the
picture of the quilt and notice the center square with the heart, that is the
square from Mary’s quilt club and Sue placed it in the center of the quilt.
The winning ticket for
the quilt was pulled from the bag of ticket stubs by Pam Wolfe Brown, who
worked on the quilt. The winner had left the picnic earlier but I called her
right after the picnic to congratulate her. Darlene Clousson (widow of Bob
Clousson, WI 1955) was the lucky winner. She lives here in Sarasota , Florida
only a few miles from me so I delivered the quilt to her on Monday March 9. Above is a picture of me
presenting the lovely “Mary’s Friendship
Garden ”
to Darlene.
OLGA HARDMAN
From: Michael
Elyard (WI 1976)
Picture above is from a couple years ago, when Jim Winters and I presented Olga Hardman with the room number from her old choir room at Central JHS
Many of
us were fortunate to be in the choir at Central Junior High and Washington Irving High School
under the direction of Olga Hardman before she retired in the mid 1970s. She
was always a positive, upbeat, and encouraging teacher.
Because
of her eagerness to see students grow, she allowed me to accompany the choirs
on piano from 7th grade throughout high school. With the experience I gained
doing this, I had the confidence to go on to major in music (Bachelor and
Master Degrees in Piano Performance from WVU) and serve as a pianist in the US
Air Force Band program from 1985-2005, retiring as a MSgt. Without her care and
support, I may not have had the confidence and experience needed to pursue a
career as a musician.
She is
now in a nursing home, but is in good spirits and is still her humorous and
witty self. However, when I visit her, she often mentions her former students
and how she would like to hear from them.
PLEASE: Please submit a brief note to Roleta1@aol.com about your good memories with Olga
Hardman so we can post them on a future newsletter. I will take my laptop to
her room and share them with her when that time comes. I know she would be very
happy!
Below is
a picture of Michael Elyard playing in concert with the US Air Force Band in a
Croatia Varazdin Concert.
WHAT SPRING MEANS TO
ME
From: Bill Meredith, (Monongah HS 1957)
billmere@aol.com
To me, as a youngster growing up in West
Virginia , spring meant baseball and spring training,I would follow
all of the players and teams, both in Florida
and Arizona .
In those days, there was no free agency. The players
stayed with one team, unless they were traded. Because of this, it was easy to know who
played for each team, season after season. My favorite team, the St. Louis
Cardinals, trained in St. Petersburg ,
FL I always wanted to go there to
watch some Grapefruit League games. Now, living in Sarasota , FL ,
I can see all of the spring games that I choose to attend.
Back then, there were only eight teams in each league. The
pennant winners played in the World Series. New York ,
Boston , Philadelphia ,
Chicago and St. Louis all had two teams, one in each
league. Times were certainly simpler then.
Spring also meant that the end of the school year was
near. Although I enjoyed school, I enjoyed the summer more, playing ball,
swimming and just hanging out with my friends.
The older I got, the more my thoughts changed. Eventually,
spring meant only one thing. Winter is over. My wife and I grew less and less
fond of the ice and snow, which explains why we now live in Florida .
From: Roleta Smith Meredith
Roleta1@aol.com
While living at home, Spring meant the end of another
school year for everyone in my family since my mother was a teacher and my
father was a principal, both in elementary schools.
When I was younger, before high school, Spring meant we
had to (yep, had to) tear the house apart from top to bottom to clean!
We had a coal furnace for many years and all trace of coal
dust had to be removed! We scrubbed the wood work with Murphy’s Oil Soap. The rugs
were taken outside and placed over the clothes line and we had to beat them
with rug beaters. Wallpaper was cleaned with that pink doughy stuff that came
in a can and turned gray when we used it and the more we used it, the grayer it
became because it was picking up the dirt off of the walls. When it was so dirty
that is wasn’t picking up dirt any longer, we grabbed a new piece or dough and
started over. We scrubbed painted walls from the bottom up so no dirty water
would run down over the dirty wall and leave streaks….by washing up the wall,
we could easily dry off the steaks that ran down the wall. Heavy winter drapes
or curtains came down to be cleaned or washed and stored away for a few months
and the summer sheers were put up as they let the summer breezes in to cool the
house.. Remember Lace curtains? Remember when they were washed they were put on
those stretcher racks to dry…it was a large wooden fame that that was made out
of small wooden slat and it had nails with the sharp ends sticking through it we put the curtains on the nails to hold them straight while they dried. Oh, the
many times we got stuck hanging those things up….I was too small to reach the
top but I got enough pricks in my fingers on the nails down low. Mother always hired a lady from Hepzibah to come and help us with the Spring Cleaning chores. Did you or
your family have a garden? Remember all the work of plowing and hoeing and
fertilizing to prepare the soil to plant the seeds? We never had a huge garden,
just enough for mother to can some vegetables. But I have only talked about the
work that happened because of Spring.
I love Spring because it smells good, the air smells
different, fresh and clean. The spring flowers are beautiful, my favorites, and
I miss them here in Florida ..They
just don’t grow in our soil.
But most of all
I LOVE SPRING BECAUSE WINTER IS GONE.
I LOVE SPRING BECAUSE WINTER IS GONE.
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
The thing that I like most about "thinking" that
SPRING IS COMING, is that WINTER WILL BE OVER We have had a bitterly COLD and
SNOWY winter here in Alexandria, Virginia this winter and I AM JUST REALLY
TIRED OF WINTER right now. I had thought that the cold and snowy portion of
2015 was behind us, but when I was getting a haircut yesterday, my barber told
me that one more SNOW was forecast before SPRING gets sprung (which is
supposed to be here in 14 days or so).
I am sure that there are readers who reside in the Boston , Massachusetts area
and/or Buffalo , New York area that are hoping that their
winter is over. It may take summertime to get all of the snow melted in Buffalo . I cannot IMAGINE
living in 7 feet of snow, which is what was reported that Buffalo was having.
Some of the schools in the Northern
Virginia area closed because of the temperature being close to
ZERO, so I cannot imagine what would happen if the temp got BELOW zero, which I
am sure a lot of readers experienced this year. I do not remember schools
closing in Clarksburg
because of temperatures. I do not remember schools closing because of snow
either, but I am sure that this did happen.
THE CLARKSBURG
REUNION PICNIC
The
annual picnic was held on March 7, 2015 at Twin
Lakes Park
in Sarasota , FL. We had a wonderful group present. The
day started out as a cool overcast 56 degrees but that didn't stop us. We are
smarter than the average bears and we proved it….we hung in there and the sun
came through and it turned into a beautiful day as you can see from the
pictures.
We gave
away about 20 door prizes and the quilt was won by Darlene Clousson. Everyone
was so happy that she won. There was cheering and a loud round of applause.
Darlene and Bob attended the picnic regularly and we missed him. Darlene set up
the Friday night dinner in his honor this year.
Bill
Meredith auctioned off a WVU reversible jacket and earned $50.00 for the WIN
Scholarship. And you may have read above, we earned $6,210.00 this year for the
WIN Scholarship. We had a wonderful time. If you weren't there, now is the time to plan for next year so you can come and join us.
I did
reserve the pavilion at Twin
Lakes Park
for March 12, 2016. So save the date. You have nearly a year to make sure you have
no other appointments….make sure you visit Florida during that time. Plan ahead and
come and enjoy the fun with us.
If you
wish to see pictures from the picnic, go to the sidebar (space beside the
newsletter here) and click on the link about The 2015 Clarksburg Picnic.
I am
always so busy that I don't even think about taking pictures. Thanks to Bruce
Gordon, Jim Alvaro, Jim Brown and Doug Sager for sharing some pictures of the
picnic with us. If you have pictures from the picnic, please send them to Roleta1@aol.com so they can be added to our
collection. These pictures will stay on our sidebar for a few months and the
more pictures we have the nicer it will be.
From: John Teter (WI
1961)
My most favorite job of my working career was with a
company in Arlington ,Virginia , where I worked from August, 1963
to December, 1969. It was a printing
company that also sold drafting supplies for Keuffel and Esser out of Hoboken , New
Jersey . Even though I did not have anything to do
with the actual printing portion of the business, I met and made friends with a
lot of the people while I was working there. One of those friends and I stayed
friends for nearly 50 years, ending only because of his passing. We got to be
best friends by going out after work for "a" drink or two at a
"dive" next door to the company, and doing various things on weekends
and vacations - like going on vacation to Rehobeth Beach with his family and
having cookouts at his house.
The thing that I liked most about Cooper Trent was the
camaraderie among employees. We used to "socialize" after hours; we
had a golf club that I participated in; co-workers from different departments
went to lunch together; there was a credit union that most of the employees
belonged to and the credit union had an annual dinner meeting that was always
well attended; I met and dated a "few" women without being charged
with "sexual harassment" around the office; we were able to go talk
to someone during working hours without getting "scolded". This is
where I met my first wife.
I met a bunch of guys that I used to do things with over
the weekends and on vacations; like going out on one of two boats;
"trying" to learn how to water ski. Three of us went on a hunting
trip to Newfoundland
which was an awesome experience. We used to go target practicing on weekends.
One of my best friends had some property and house in the Palmyra , Virginia
area and we used to go down there for cookouts and just GOOD TIMES!
This was the second job that I had that was the beginning
of my computer-based career. We were offered training classes that the company
paid for and we were given time off from work to attend these classes.
This was the company that I was working for at the time of
Kennedy's death and funeral.
Unlike other jobs that I have had since 1970, this job
just seemed to be FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keuufel and Esser eventually bought out
Cooper and Trent and, the only reason that I left this job was that the company
had transferred their computer operations to the base company in Hoboken , New
Jersey . I was offered a job to transfer to Hoboken , but after taking a trip to see the location and
the surroundings, I decided to decline the job offer and stay in the Northern Virginia area.
From: Sandy
Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956)
Seeing the photo of the Greyhound bus in the February
Newsletter reminded me that my father was a Greyhound bus driver in the early
1940's. He drove from Clarksburg to Washington , D.C.
We drove that route a couple of summers ago. I cannot imagine driving a bus
over Route 50 in a snow storm. It was a lot of fun in the car. I love mountain
driving. As for my favorite job it was being a school bus driver in the 1970's
in Lake Orion , MI . I am still in touch, thanks to Facebook,
with some of my "kids". The only time I was uncomfortable driving was
in fog or on ice. It was a fun job. Many thanks to you, Bill and Jalon for a
wonderful day of visiting and the great WV. hotdogs. Let's keep the prayers
coming for Judy and Larry.
BURNSIDE HONORED BY
FOUNDATION BOARD
Carolyn Reynolds
Burnside, former Washington Irving and RCB faculty member and founding member
of the Alumni and Friends Foundation, was honored as the Retired Faculty Member
of the Year at the group’s annual banquet.
The award was
presented as a surprise to Burnside who was accompanied by her daughter, Mary
Wade Burnside. Burnside was introduced by Terri Boggs, current
English/Journalism teacher at RCB, who shared what an influence Burnside had
been when Boggs started teaching at WI in 1985. Burnside taught at WI and RCB
from 1979 to 1990. Following her retirement, Burnside worked as a realtor in
North Central West Virginia. In 1996, she penned “Hail, Washington Irving!
Eighty Years on the Hill” as a way to remember the school that would no longer
serve as a high school with the opening of RCB. Proceeds from the book have
helped fund the Burnside-Reynolds Scholarship. In 1997, Burnside and several
others formed a group to provide scholarships to deserving RCB graduating
seniors. Today, she remains an active member of the Foundation.
Note: Above article was taken from the February 2015 “Eagles
Echo”. A publication from the Roosevelt-Wilson, Washington Irving, Kelly Miller
and Robert C. Byrd Alumni and Friends Foundation.
John E. Stealey III (WI 59) wrote an op-ed for the Sunday
Gazette-Mail (Charleston , W. Va.), 8 March 2015,
that addressed the issue of the emancipation of slaves in West Virginia .
This year is the 150th anniversary of the event. Many
people think that West Virginia entered the
union in 1863 as a free state ,
but it is untrue. The article, entitled “Free At Last: W.
Va. ’s Tortuous Path to Emancipation,” is available on the following link: CLICK HERE
WI CLASS OF
1965 REUNION
*UPDATE*
Check out the latest update about the reunion
from Marsha Golden Caplinger (WI1965@aol.com).
Just go to the top of the page and click on the tab marked HIGH SCHOOL
REUNIONS...scroll down until you find the information about your reunion.
The
latest update will be shown first under your class.
MARCH MYSTERY PICTURE
From Wayne White (WI 1960)
WaynePawco@aol.com
The
picture is the Davis Weaver funeral home..Located at 329 East Main Street . They have been in
business for 75 years...The funeral home is located in the quality hill section
of Clarksburg , WV . The property is listed in the national
register of historical places. Colonel Burton Despard house is a place of
history, built in 1852.
From: Theresa Scalise –Blake (Class
1962)
Nonnie1144@yahoo.com
The
picture is Davis-Weaver Funeral Home and at one time (ca. 1913-14) was the
Kennedy Finishing School for girls.
From: Anne Byrnside Davis (WI
1952)
This one
is too easy. It is Davis-Weaver Funeral Home on East Main St. Fortunately I
have no tales to tell concerning it.
From: Bille Anne Clevenger (WI
1952)
The
"Mystery Picture" in the March WI Newsletter is Davis Weaver Funeral
Home, still a beautiful, majestic building Main Street in downtown Clarksburg .
Thank you
for all that you do in creating the newsletter. The new format is lovely.
From: Penny Johnson (WI 1960)
penem@nc.rr.com
Davis
Weaver Funeral Home is the Mystery Picture this month! Services for my parents
were held there. It was also the home of my friend, and fellow Presbyterian,
Mary Elizabeth Weaver and her sister...I know Mary Elizabeth came to one of the
picnics in Florida . I hope she will fill you in on the history of this
historic building and “home for the Weavers” in Clarksburg .
Love love
love the look of the “NEW” old newsletter! So appreciate moving into the arena
of “The Blog” You can teach “old dogs new tricks” So much thanks to your sister
for stepping in and sharing her expertise with all of us!!!
From: D. Richard George (WI 1965)
dirich2@msn.com
Easy for
me. Dad worked there as a funeral director.
The
building is Davis Weaver Funeral Home.
I believe
it was built in the late 1800’s
I was
there last week and it is still a working funeral home.
Rode my
first bike there with training wheels in the back parking lot.
I
remember the walk from Oak Street
with the bicycle to the funeral home.
This was
with Mom at my side for the walk in December.
What a
thrill it was, my very own first bicycle!
Yes, I
can tell some hair raising stories.
From: Steve Limbers (WI 1957)
That's
the old Davis-Weaver funeral home on Main
Street near the bridge to Goff (not Golf!) Plaza.
It had changed hands (probably more than once) when my dad died in 2005, and I
think it got a new name at some point after that. I always preferred it until I saw the newer funeral
home near where RW (the high school) used to be.
The new
look of the newsletter is very nice but Judy will be missed.
From: Terry Shorr (WI 1958/
Elkins)
dtshorr@suddenlink.net
The photo
is of Davis-Weaver Funeral Home. Living in Broad Oaks, we had no suitable
vacant lots on which to play football; thus we were limited to playing touch
games in streets. Vermont Avenue 's
bricks could leave visible memories of being knocked of one's feet.
In the
1950s, on Sundays when Davis-Weaver had no visitations, we would migrate to
their nicely manicured side yard for an hour or so of good old tackle football.
Usually an employee would get word and come to shoo us off the property. That
yard has been a parking lot for many years, but each time I pass by brings
memories of our football games there.
From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)
jalvaro@aol.com
I believe
the March Mystery Picture is that of Davis-Weaver Funeral Home located just across
Main St.from McGlumphey's Mortuary, not far from the Golf Plaza Bridge . Many beautiful homes located in Golf Plaza
that have been there for many, many years are still beautiful.
From: Leslie (Babette) Holland Sullivan ( WI
1959)
lbsulliva@aol.com
The
mystery picture is Davis & Weaver Funeral home on E. Main Street .
I used to
walk by everyday on the way to and from Central Jr. HS and WIHS from my home in
Broad Oaks. Its right before you get to the Gulf Plaza Bridge going over Elk Creek.
Even
though the occasions were sad for me the Davis & Weaver staff made me feel
very comforted and cared for. When my mother died in Florida and wanted to be buried in WV all I
had to do was contact Davis & Weaver they contacted the hospital and
arranged all the transportation etc. When I got to Clarksburg they were there to greet me and finish
the funeral arrangements. Their professionalism, expertise, and comforting was
a blessing, I didn't have to worry or do a thing, they tool care of it all.
From: Billie Anne Clevenger (WI
1952)
Iamblessed3452@aol.com
The
"Mystery Picture" in the March WI Newsletter is Davis Weaver Funeral
Home, still a beautiful, majestic building on Main Street in downtown Clarksburg .
Thank you
for all that you do in create the newsletter.
From: Beth Bennett Barger (WI
1963)
bethabarger@gmail.com
That is
the Davis Weaver Funeral Home. It brings some sadness to me as my great grandparents,
my grandparents, and my parents passed through there on their way to their
final resting places. I always will remember that the people who worked there
were so very kind to us.
From: Doris Jean (Jeanne Webster)
Walters, (WI 1959)
jeanwbstr@aol.com
I am sure
just about everyone who reads the Newsletter will know this one. The building
pictured is Davis-Weaver Funeral Home. Every member of my family who has passed
on was there for the "final" viewing. It is a beautiful historic Clarksburg landmark, both
inside and out.
From: Jim Rogers (WI 1964)
jprogers46@gmail.com
The
picture is the Davis Weaver Funeral Home on Main Street . It was started by J.H. Davis
and Harry Weaver immediately following WW II.
It is
hard to believe how many of WI's graduates attended funerals for family and
friends there over the last 70 years.
From: Cheryl Corder McClure (1964)
Mcheryl135@comcast.net
The picture
is Davis and Weaver Funeral Home. I lived on Despard Street behind the home.
I would
also like to say I love your new format for the newspaper such excellent work
by all of you! Still miss home and West
Virginia , especially the way it use to be. I sincerely
hope they will go forward to restore the town.
From: Rebecca Allen Ausmus (WI
1970)
becko64@aol.com
The
Mystery Picture is Davis Weaver Funeral Home and every family member I have
ever had that lived in this area has been there for the Funeral Service my
great great grandfather, my great grandfather, both grandparents, my two aunts,
my two uncles, and last my mother and father . We have always loved the people
there and the services they have always provided the ALLEN family with the most
wonderful service and kindness in our times of loss .
From: Mary Elizabeth Weaver
Johnson (WI 1960)
auntmerts@bellsouth.net
The March
Picture is my Dad's Funeral Home - Davis Weaver Funeral Home, which was
formerly the Despard
Mansion . I have
previously submitted some information about the Funeral Home, my family and
some things I had done while I was growing up. The former picture was submitted
several years ago!!! My Dad and Mother, Harry and Elizabeth Weaver and Mr. John
Davis had acquired the Mansion back in the 50's and turned it into the funeral
home. My family lived next door (you can see a corner of the house in the
picture). My sister, Harriett (Tootie) and I had many happy days there. She has
since passed away as well as my parents. I still have a picture of the Funeral
Home sitting on my desk just to remind me of the pleasant times I had not only
going to school and graduating from WI but the fun times we had living in
Clarksburg. I don't get home very often my heart still belongs in WV. Thank you
so much for posting this picture once again. I enjoy your newsletter each and
every month although I don't write very often. Many blessings
From: Steve Snyder (WI 1962)
My father
inherited a gracious home near Davis-Weaver Funeral Home in 1944 prior to my
birth. My parents, as well as my great-aunt and uncle all had their viewings
there. I have been there countless times in years past, but I especially
remember playing inside this old mansion with Toodie Weaver when there were no
viewings.
From: Joyce Aspy Molloy (WI 1970)
gogetterz@hotmail.com
This is
Davis Weaver Funeral Home on Main
St . Every family funeral was held there.
We lived
in the neighborhood behind it on Elm
St. and the Weavers were family friends.
Editor’s Note: Check out the email from one of
the Weaver girls, perhaps you girls can catch up on old times - Mary Elizabeth Weaver Johnson
(WI 1960)
auntmerts@bellsouth.net
From: Prudy Robinson Coffindaffer,
(WI 1962)
prudyhr@gmail.com
This is
Davis-Weaver Funeral Home. To0tie was one of my very best friends and I still
miss her. I think of her often. We had many fun times at her house next to the
Funeral Home. Harriette (Tootie) Weaver Shaffer was married to Carl Shaffer
both in WI Class of 1962.
From: Willard F. “Bud” Wheelock
(WI 1960)
The
picture is of the Despard House in the East End ,
now serving as Davis-Weaver Funeral Home. The residence of Col. Despard prior to
the War of Northern Aggression I don't know if it is on the register of
historical places or not. If not it should be. Unfortunately there have been
too many historical sites lost such as the one next to the fire station on Main Street that
was destroyed by Hopeless Gas Co to create a park used by employees
(presumably).
From John Cooper (WI 1951)
My sister
Mary who graduated from WI died on Feb.20th. We had her funeral at Davis and
Weaver. They did a great job. My other sister has been in the same room at the
local nursing home for the past 6-years. In three months, LaVaughn (who also
graduated from WI) will be 100 years old. I can’t really determine the year
they each graduated. LaVaugh is 5 years older then Mary. My other sister,
Margarette (also graduated from WI), was 5 years older than me and died about
20 years ago.
From: Ronald Harvey (WI 1955)
W4rrhwva@gmail.com
The
building is the Davis Weaver Funeral Home. This home was in charge of both of
my parents funerals in 1988. The workers were very supportive in time of need.
From: Nancy S. Tonkin (WI 1972)
I went to
several viewings and funerals in this stately funeral home.
From: Shirley Dillmore Fain (WI
1964)
Jofain591@gmail.com
I think
the picture is the Davis Weaver Funeral Home. If so, sadly my parents, and some
friends were shown there after they passed away. I remember when I did a 15
mile walk for some kind of charity, that they gave me a hefty donation.
From: John Teter (WI, 1961)
jateter@aol.com
The
mystery picture in the March Newsletter is the WEAVER FUNERAL HOME, located on
the downtown side of Main Street
just before the Goff
Plaza Bridge .
I spent a lot of time in the house next to the funeral home, as I dated
Harriett "Tootie" Weaver and got to know her sister Elizabeth and
their parents. I had the privilege of seeing Elizabeth at my brother's 50th class reunion
a few years ago. She and I had a good time "reminiscing" about
"days gone by".
The
funeral home was located directly across Main Street from the McGlumphy Funeral
Home that was owned and operated by one of my classmates' family.
From:
Sara L. Howe (WI 1963)
saralhowe@yahoo.com
Davis-Weaver
Funeral home on Main Street .
The Weaver family lived in the beautiful old home next to the funeral
home. The family was well thought of.
From: B.D. Fox ( WI 1961)
bxdx@yahoo.com
The
picture is of the David-Weaver funeral home on Main St . I was friends with the Weaver
girls and spent many hours in their home.
Editor’s Note: I hope you enjoy sharing some
memories with Mary Elizabeth Weaver Johnson (WI 1960) auntmerts@bellsouth.net
From: John V. Carney (NDHS 1961)
carney172@gmail.com
I am 100%
sure this is a picture of the Old Despard Manson located at 329 East Main St. Clarksburg .
WV is now known as the Davis Wearver Funeral Home.
PS I
should have emailed you about the twins My brother Patrick A, Carney and myself
John V. Carney are also twins , we were born 6-11-1943 in St. Mary's Hospital.
Thanks
for all the real interesting items you put the newsletter.
Editor’s Note: Well, John, I should say “shame
on you”! lol- for not telling us about the Carney Twin Brothers! Won’t you
write and tell us, where you both live and what you have been doing since high
school?
From: Bill Phillips (WI 1960)
Captbill2001@aol.com
The
picture is The Davis-Weaver Funeral Home. It was established in 1945.
From: Nancy S. Tonkin, (WI 1972)
Nancy.Tonkin@wvtmg.com
I went to
several viewings and funerals in this stately funeral home.
From:Mary Stump Harrell (WI 1955)
harrellms2003@yahoo.com
The
picture is of the Davis Weaver Funeral Home on East Main Street . My father, mother, and
other family members were buried from there. Tom Gocke worked there for a time.
As
children, walking to and from Carlisle School, we often went up to the front
door and were politely told that we could not come in. One time, the man gave
us pens with the Davis Weaver name on the pen. It is a beautiful old home and I
hope someone will write about its history as I would love to know more about
it.
From: John Petitto (NDHS 1964)
It is the
Davis Weaver Funeral Home on East Main St located just before the Goff Plaza Bridge.
Its place in history boasts that it was used as a field hospital during the
Civil War. Directly across the street was another long time funeral home -
McGlumphy Funeral Home. Walked by both of these Clarksburg landmarks daily on
my way home from school at St Mary's and Notre Dame.
From:Mitch Davis (WI 1961)
mitch@davissearch.net
The
mystery picture in this month's WI Newsletter is the Davis -Weaver Funeral Home
at 329 East Main Street. Like probably other Newsletter readers, I have said
goodbye to many friends and family members at the Davis-Weaver over the years.
The staff always did a nice job.
Across
the street is the McGlumphy Funeral Home. God bless you, Charlie.
From: Brooke Beall (NDHS 1958)
Bbeall@bit.coop
The
picture in this month’s WI Newsletter is a picture of the Davis Weaver Funeral
Home. My brother worked there for several years. Originally the Burton Despard
House. A history of the house appeared in the Clarksburg Telegram in 2011 and
can be viewed HERE.
THOSE WHO IDENTIFIED PICTURE BUT NO MEMORIES WERE SHARED…
Dave Rowe
(WI 1962)
Linda
Jenkins Purnell (WI 1967)
Vincent
Merendino, (Notre Dame 1964)
Beth
Twigg Devericks (WI 1959)
Randy
McCue (WI 1968)
Cinda
(Frenzel) O'Neill (WI 1966)
Bill
Phillips (Would be WI 1960)
Linda
Jenkins Purnell (WI 1967)
Anne
Byrnside Davis (WI 1952)
Miss Lillie Mae Bauer was at WI for a long time as a teacher, I imagine just about everyone who
reads this newsletter had some experience with her.
It’s time
to share your memories. I am sure you have a memory of being in her class, a
play, study hall or just in the hallway. Send your thoughts about and memories
of Lillie Mae Bauer to Roleta1@aol.com.
Let’s
give this icon a great salute. She was my speech teacher and directed our
senior play. I received really high grades from her in speech due to the fact
that I learned early that she loved to hear me read (with emotion) any writings
about the Civil War or/and Abraham Lincoln. And by the way, that is my favorite
era in American History.
- Did you ever hear the story about a boy blowing a dog whistle in her class? A dog whistle is so high pitched that supposedly only a dog can hear it?
- Was she the teacher whose husband was killed in a car accident shortly after her marriage? Or was that another rumor?
- Was she the teacher who was in an accident and had a metal plate placed in her head to replace some of her skull? Or was that a rumor?
- Was she the teacher who cried often when people read something sad in her speech class?
- Did she teach Latin?
- Did she teach English?
- What did she teach when you were at WI?
And the
story goes on….what was the story? What was your experience?
Please
help us out… Send your memories to: Roleta1@aol.com
MARCH TRIVIA QUESTION
Our Statistics show that The Newsletter was looked at 2,268 times last month.
Only 2 people wrote to me about this Trivia Question….Amazing!
Only 2 people wrote to me about this Trivia Question….Amazing!
What year did Washington Irving
have its first marching band?
have its first marching band?
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
jateter@aol.com
"With
a little help from the internet", my "guess" would be that WI
had their first marching band in 1932
It is
interesting that the website that led me to this answer showed pictures on Hank
Meyer leading the band down Main
Street in 1950.
From: Carolyn Burnside (WI 1952)
crburnside842@frontier.com
The first
band organized in 1932 with Professor Shaw as the director.
APRIL TRIVIA QUESTION
What year did Washington Irving
play the first football game at Hite Field?
play the first football game at Hite Field?
Write your guess to Roleta1@aol.com
I don’t care if you have the correct answer… I will only
publish the correct answers and will give a count of the number who guessed. I tired
to explain last month that this is what I wanted - only 2 people wrote and both
had researched and found the correct answer.
PEPPERONI ROLLS
From:
Anthony Selario (WI 1956)
Aselario3257@hotmail.com
I thought
I would chime-in with my two cents on Clarksburg ’s
affinity for the much-touted pepperoni roles mentioned in two of the recent,
always interesting, WI Newsletters.
Back in
the 1950s my mother, Mary Selario, made the much loved nosh for our favorite
customers - a recipe tweaked by her sister, Louise Biafore Fragale, to make
them more moist. The yummy delicacy went like hotcakes—a hit only to be outsold
by our famous Ritzy Lunch hotdogs with homemade chili, both in-house AND
takeout.
It might
be interesting to note The Ritzy, now run by my brother John’s son, Antonio,
has been in the family since 1933 and to this day, still garners not only
blogger hits but also favorable write-ups in the press. In fact, my cousin James
A. (Jim) Fragale (WI ’58) has a moving scene staged in the Ritzy in his
amazon.com novel “The Answer to Life,” (click on link to see more) in which he writes about growing up in Clarksburg—then
transplanting to the Big Apple to seek fame and fortune after graduating from
Salem, only to bump into harsh realities of big city life for which he wasn't prepared. Thank you so much for your tireless work on the WI Newsletter.
ATTENTION: 1967 WI GRADUATES
The following pictures are from Joseph Jaranko
From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)
Above is Mrs. Pierpoint's sixth grade class at Morgan School .
Can you identify
anyone in the picture?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
Above is pictured the School Boy Patrol Basketball Team.
Joe thinks it is about sixth
grade, too.
Police officer Raymond Muscatell was the sponsor.
He did a lot of
things like that. Bill Manley was the coach.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com if you can identify anyone
pictured.
Pictured above is Mrs. Watson's second grade class at Morgan School .
Most of this group stayed together through Central Junior High and Washington
Irving. Can you name any of the people pictured?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
Joseph would have graduated with the class of 1967 except we moved to Morgantown in 1962 and he graduated from University High School .
He never lost touch with his Stealey friends and still goes back to Clarksburg to visit with
some of them. I am sending these pictures for him. Love to
you, Roleta - Arreta
To Bill:
RE: M-V Bowl Game
I do have some fond memories of the All Star football game
and do remember some of the details I think the game was a project of Bill
Kobert, who was a sports writer for the Exponent Telegram. He enlisted Joe
Michaels, coach at Sardis ,
and John Mazzie of R W. They and a couple of other coaches led the West team.
Players on the West were primarily from Harrison County ,
but we had a contingent from Doddridge Co., Buckhannon, Belington, Elkins,
Parsons and other cities. The East team was primarily from Marion County
and surrounding cities.
The West team went to Doddridge County
to a YMCA camp or scout camp and lived in barracks. I think it was a two week
camp. July was very hot and those were the days the coaches did not allow
drinking water. It was almost like a boot camp. I played with a lot of players
that our Bridgeport team played against and,
having attended elementary school in Clarksburg
(Morgan and St. Marys), I had some close friends as teammates.
Relatives and friends came up on Sundays for a visit. I
remember Ron Chartrand (WI) and George Beazel (VHS) rocking and rolling in the
barracks to the tunes of the local radio station. Those two were the
"characters of the team" and kept everyone laughing.
The night before the game we were bussed down to Clarksburg in our
uniforms for a big parade. Being the host city, Clarksburg went all out. The parade route was
up Main Street
and down Pike Street
and the sidewalks were full of fans and
relatives. We had 3 players in each convertible, which was a special treat.
After the game, I think there was a dance, but a few of us
just went out to drink some beer. This game was a spin-off of the NORTH-SOUTH
GAME, which was played in August down in Charleston
I think that game is still played while the EAST-WEST game was never repeated.
Many players from both squads went on to play at the
university level and I have to think those hot days in camp gave us a good
experience for what was ahead. I don't remember the score of the game but I do
know the WEST was victorious.
Thanks very much for a nostalgic look back at a memorable
time in the lives of these players.
Rich Newbrough, Bridgeport HS 1955
Reply to Rich:
What a treat to hear from someone who actually played in
the M-V Bowl Game. You have answered several of the questions I had about the
game. I recall that Joe Michaels was a pretty good football coach. I think he
later won a lot of games at Buckhannon-Upshur HS. Maybe someone can tell me if
my memory is correct on that.
Your letter sparked a thought in my old brain that perhaps
my high school football coach, Jim Feltz, was one of the coaches of the East
team. If this is true, I am surprised that Feltz didn't bring along his
quarterback at Monongah, Frank DeMoss, to play in the game. The fact that Frank
pitched Monongah HS to the state baseball championship the month before this
game may be the reason. He was probably burned out, since he played three
sports, and didn't want to endure the "hot" camp in July.
It sounds like you guys had a good time preparing for the
game. The parade in Clarksburg
must have been a highlight for all of the players. I'm sure many of the players
from both teams went on to play more football in college. Deacon Duvall at Fairmont State would have taken most of them in a
heartbeat.
Thanks for giving us an inside look at the preparations
and events surrounding the game, which happened almost 60 years ago. What
wonderful memories your insight brought back to me and I'm sure to our readers.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
To Bill:
Great newsletter. The M-V football game was of interest to
me. Sonny Sirianni, Don Cook and Rudy Colombo, all from Roosevelt-Wilson, were on
the team. Unfortunately Sonny & Don are deceased. Rudy lives on Stanley Ave. in Clarksburg . They all were
good football players while at R-W.
Thanks again for all you do.
LaDonna Emrick, ( R
W 1955)
Reply to LaDonna:
It is good to hear from you again. I was hoping the
pictures and program cover would create a little interest and they did just
that. I assume that all of the players were seniors that year. I think the game
was a great idea, particularly since it allowed some of the players from
smaller schools to play with the so-called "big boys". R W always
fielded competitive teams and the team these three played on must have been
typical.
I recall that in 1980, when several small Marion County
schools were consolidated into North Marion HS, that football team was a state
power for several years, proving that small schools have pretty good players,
too. As always, thanks for writing.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
To Bill:
RE: M-V Bowl Game
I went to the game and had the brochure for over 50 years.
Sonny Sirianni, from Roosevelt-Wilson
High School was the MVP
of the game. I looked up Sonny's daughter on Facebook and sent the brochure to
her about a year ago.
Since I no longer have it, I am not sure on which side
Sonny played. It was a close, low scoring game, I do remember that.
Sonny went on to play football at Marshall
College and ended up coaching at Ft. Myers High School in Florida .
They have named their stadium after Sonny (they call him Sam) and have a full
sized statue of him near the field.
Every year, since his death a few years ago, they have Sam
Sirianni Day in Ft.Myers; banners on the streets and all. His brother Babe
Sirianni coached with Sonny and he still lives in that area. If you recall,
Babe played for WVU.
Babe Sirianni played on the 1958 R-W, AA state
championship team. The only football championship R-W ever won.
Yes, the game was advertised as the "First", but
it was also the last.
Sonny's daughter is a teacher and really appreciated
getting the brochure. She seems like a great person, just like her father.
Lyle Corder, R-W
1957
Reply to Lyle:
Thanks for your letter. It's great to hear from someone
who was actually at the game. Do you remember whether or not there was a big
crowd? I'm guessing that it wasn't a big money maker or they would have played
it in later years.
I do remember Sam and Babe Sirianni. Sam is a legend in Ft. Myers ,FL.
I talked to someone at the Clarksburg Picnic about how much he meant to the
high school there. If you want to read more about him, go CLICK HERE.
It is too bad they don't have these types of games
anymore. The only one left in WV that I know of is the annual North/South game
in Charleston . I
am also familiar with the Big 33 Game, featuring players from Pennsylvania and another state. Currently Pa. matches up against Maryland ,
but they have also played Ohio
and Texas All-Star teams.
Again, thanks for sharing your memories of the game. I
hope to hear from you again soon.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
To Bill:
Just breaking: Bob Huggins was named Coach of the Year for
the Big 12. Staten was selected to the All-Big 12 first team and WVU frosh
Carter named to the Big 12 defensive team.
Count me among the doubters who were glad to be proved
wrong by this year's Mountaineers coached by B. Huggins, himself. 23 wins sure
ain't too shabby in any league, especially the Big 12.
Mike Snyder, W I
1957
Reply to Mike:
All three awards were well deserved. I don't think anyone
saw the kind of season that resulted from the full court press defense. Mitch
Vingle of the Charleston Gazette claims that he knew they were going to be
better than expected, but he had the advantage of some inside information from
Huggins. My hope is for the team to build on this season and get back into the
elite of college basketball. The three recruits for next season can only help.
Thanks for the note.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
Bill Meredith (billmere@aol.com)
HOT ROD HUNDLEY
Several readers sent me the link below to an article
about Hot Rod Hundley, written by John Antonik for WVU Sports.com. CLICK HERE to Enjoy.
THINGS I'D LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL
1. Eliminate all conference tournaments. They have become a waste of time
and diminish from the league seasons. They are only played for the TV revenue;
therefore, they will probably remain in place forever. At least I can dream.
2. Bring back the dribble. Palming the basketball is now the norm. There
is way too much "driving to the hoop". Bringing back the dribble
would cut down on this and the constant fouls it causes.
3. Call more charging fouls. Whoever initiates the contact gets the foul.
4. Change the scoring values. Move the three point line back to match the
NBA line and award three points for any shot made beyond that line. Everything
inside that is worth two points, except the dunk. Make the dunk worth only one
point or outlaw it all together. Few players can make the 15-20 footer anymore
and big men can't do much other than dunk the ball. Bring real shooting back
into the game.
5. With so many TV timeouts, limit the team timeouts to two per half.
Speed up the game.
6. Officials can check the monitor only in the last two minutes of the
game and only if the point spread is less than ten points. Again, this would
speed up the game.
7. Finally, the last two to three minutes of some games take 20-25
minutes to play because of the endless fouls committed in order to prolong the
game. Basketball should not be a foul shooting contest. This could be corrected
by awarding two shots for every foul committed in the last two minutes of the
game and also awarding possession of the ball after the 10th foul.
Do you disagree with these ideas? Do you have any rules you would like to
change or add?
Share them with our readers by sending them to Bill (billmere@aol.com)
TOUGH WAY TO END THE YEAR
Watching the WVU/UK game on Thursday night was like watching the perfect
storm develop. It was definitely the worst performance of the year for the
Mountaineers, while, according to some people who have watched them all year,
it was Kentucky's best game. Our fate was pretty well
sealed when Kevin Williams picked up his second personal foul less than two
minutes into the game. In order for WVU to have even a small chance for an
upset, the officials needed to "let them play", that is, allow the
Mountaineers to play roughhouse basketball. Williams second foul showed that
they were not going to do that, so the game was decided then and there.
I, for one, won't remember the game for long. I will remember the
excellent coaching job turned in by Bob Huggins. He took a bunch of very
"green" players and made them into a team that was tough to beat. Looking
back, I noticed that the teams that put the worst "whuppin'" on WVU
were those with more than one good big man. Maybe next year a second big man
will complement Williams in the WVU lineup. That means a lot of work during the
off season. Let's hope it comes to pass.
It was sad to read of the passing of Hot Rod Hundley. He was a true
Mountaineer. I loved to listen to Jack Fleming describe his
unique way of playing the game and actually got to see him in person at the old
Field House a couple of times. Rest in Peace Rodney Clark Hundley.
Do you have any thoughts you would like to share on the WVU basketball
season or the UK
game? How do you think the team
will do next season?
Send your comments to Bill (billmere@aol.com)
HOW TO FIND PEOPLE
USING BIRTHDAY DATABASE
From: Dave Kuhl
dbkuhl@bellsouth.net
Those
summer reunions will be on us before you know it. Search for missing classmates
now. Go to: http://www.stevemorse.org/birthday/privateeye.html
This
database includes about 100 million names. That suggests about a 1 in 3 chance
of finding any individual living American. There may be more of a chance of
finding someone over a certain age as privacy laws have changed over time which
may limit access to more recent or specific databases.
Type in a
name, for example: “David Kuhl”
Select a
database such as Birth database Repeat with
other databases as needed.
Press
search
Entering
“David Kuhl” displays 45 listings from the 100 million names in the database
In the list of 45, No. 39 is my 2nd cousin who lived in AZ 15 years ago but has been in WV for well over a decade. This suggests that this database has not been updated
In the list of 45, No. 39 is my 2nd cousin who lived in AZ 15 years ago but has been in WV for well over a decade. This suggests that this database has not been updated
Entering
“B” in middle initial and pressing search displays 2 which are my son and I. It
lists name, age, exact birth date and general residence.
Try other versions of the name.
Entering
“Dave Kuhl” displays one listing with no data.
To find a
missing cousin or classmate, enter the name and look for a listing which is the
right age. Then follow up with Whitepages.com or Zabasearch.com for detailed address
and phone number. These also list age and other family members. If you are
lucky, you will find some missing individuals this way.
Remember
that every listing in the databases may not include the middle initial or other
specific data (Jr., II, etc.). Therefore be more inclusive in your initial
searches with just first and last name. Only include more restrictive search
elements such as middle initial, if the list of candidates from the first
search is too large for convenient manual searches.
If you
are working a list of people such as for a class reunion, type the list into a
file on your computer and verify spelling, then copy and paste each name from
the list into the search engine so that you do not create any new spelling
errors. Include variations of the name such as Tom and Thomas in your list.
Remember that some may go by middle names and include that in your search list.
Let us
know how this works for you and share any tips on finding people.
From: Mitch Davis (WI 1961)
I'm not
sure if this is a memory of C-burg, or more of a question. Many of us WI boys
belonged to the DeMolays, where we had a clubhouse in Traders Alley under the Masonic Temple . We typically went to the
clubhouse after school to play pool, table tennis, or just hang out. Also,
"back in the day”, new members, called candidates, would run errands for
the regular members. This hazing lasted for 3 months. I imagine that today this
would not be PC but I saw it as a learning experience.
Those
were really great times. I just wondered if the DeMolays are still active in
C-burg. I'm sure a lot of readers will have memories of those days.
If you are be interested in
reading up on the DeMolay - CLICK HERE
Editor’s Note: Do you remember the DeMolay
organization? Or were you in the DeMolay? Write to Roleta1@aol.com and share your memories with us.
John
Petitto (NDHS 1964) jpetitto46@gmail.com
Jean
Taylor (WI 1956) teterrd@comcast.net
Carolyn (Reynolds) Burnside (WI-1952) crburnside842@frontier.com
A SALUTE TO
AN
AMERICAN SERVICEMAN
From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI
1940)
This is my son Joseph Jaranko in Vietnam ,
November, 1969. He was 19 when he was drafted and sent after basic training
right to Vietnam .
He was on Nui Ba Den, or the Black
Virgin Mountain .
They had to fly in helicopters to get up and down that mountain over a hillside
full of Viet Cong who hid there and came out and shot at the helicopters are
they flew over. Joe had his 21st birthday over there
WE WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP HERE
Editor’s Note: I would like to salute one or two
pictures each month of people who service our country. Would you please send me
a picture and a small write up of yourself or anyone you know from Clarksburg . We would like
to thank them for their service. All correspondence should go directly to Roleta1@aol.com
MY FIRST CAR
From: Ronald Harvey (WI
1955)
w4rrh@charter.net
My first
car was a 1950 Crosley (yes that is me with the car). It was purchased in 1952
at a car lot in Staley on the corner of Milford Street and North Ave. The cost was $387.50. It was
seen around "WI" for 2 or 3 years until one night it caught on fire
and burned so bad it was no longer usable. The Crosley was a small car, but got
very good gas millage. It was light enough that someone could lift any one
wheel by himself. That is why it was found on the Horner Street sidewalk behind the school.
Celebrities that got to ride in the car were Mr. Fredrick (American History)
and Miss Swiger.
LEARNING TO DRIVE
From: John Teter (WI
1961)
jateter@aol.com
I learned to drive in Mary Clyde (Murph) Mason's
Chevrolet, as she was the one that helped me to learn how to drive. I remember
going out on Davisson Run and driving, and going out by the VA Hospital to
learn how to park. I actually took my driver's license test in her car, as she
lived across the street from my parents on Broaddus Avenue .
Editor's Note: I would love for you to share your memories here in the Newsletter. We all love to walk down memory lane hand in hand with a dear friend. Write to me: Roleta1@aol.com and let's take a walk together!
APRIL MYSTERY
PICTURE
Please write to me at Roleta1@aol.com
with the identity of this man, his profession, where he worked and if you know
the name of the street where he is walking?
In other words, tell me anything you can about the man and
the picture.
A RECOMMENDED BOOK
TO READ
From Buzz Floyd (Victory 1956)
Floyds4@cox.net
This is a
nice profile of John O’Brien. He wrote the best book I've read on West Virginia . Really
makes the feelings we hillbillies have understandable. I really enjoyed the
book.
A profile
of West Virginia
writer John O'Brien, based on his book, “At Home in the Heart of Appalachia” (click on the link to read more and purchase on Amazon.com).
Remember, I printed this list last month…
Only two people added something to it.
Can you add something, too?
It's not too late to still add some - write to Roleta1@aol.com
From: Joyce Aspy
Molloy (WI 1970)
I’ll give you something to cry about
Toni Sprouse Erchak
(VHS 1957)
Roleta and Jalon…Beautiful job on the newsletter!
#24 If you get a spanking in school and I find out about
it, you'll get another one when you get home.:
Iwas paddled in 2nd grade, although I was totally
innocent. I realized years later that my father would have "read the
riot act” to this teacher if he had known the facts, but I didn’t dare tell him
and risk being beaten with a leather belt. He was also going to do that to me
when I dropped my lollipop and said, “Darn it!” (Like #22) My mother prevented
that punishment; however, real swear words definitely would have received the
soapy mouth remedy from my mom.
One of several sayings from a Summit Park Jr. High
teacher, (who also taught my mother and I believe…my grandmother) was: “You’re
about as bright as a pewter dollar in a mud hole!”
Every day before class, she opened the windows and
everyone had to exercise:
Hands on hips…hands on knees. Put them behind you, if you
please.
Touch your shoulders, now your nose. Touch your head….and
now your toes!
WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT
From: Leslie (Babette) Holland Sullivan (WI1959)
lbsulliva@aol.com
I have
resided in southern California
since 1964. I love the ocean and have always lived close to it.
I also
like to tent camp and have camped in the likes of the Sierra's and more local Big Bear
Mountains . However, there
is nothing as beautiful as the Blue Ridge Mountains
with it's lush delicious green green green green pristine forests. My friends
who grew up in LA area are tired of me going on and on about WV beauty.
However, I have treated them to Oliverio's peppers and they have become part of
the traditional camping meals. I always order a case for our trips. They have
been used to prepare Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
I have
talked about (actually gone on & on) about our pepperoni rolls. I never
thought is was possible to have them sent here. Now that you have covered the
topic in your ever so great newsletter which keeps on getting better and
better. You, Judy, now your sister and everyone else that has worked so hard putting
it out deserve an OSCAR. My fellow campers are going to get another WV treat.
This girl
left WV but WV never has left this girl.
From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS
1957)
I moved
away from my home and birthplace, West
Virginia , in 1961. Like most who left in those days
and perhaps since, I left for what I thought would be a better opportunity to
earn a decent living for my wife and family. It worked out well in those terms,
but leaving the place I loved left a void in my life that can never be filled.
When you
are young, your whole life is about the people around you, your friends and
family. Leaving all of them behind is the hardest thing about moving away.
My school
friends were the best friends I ever had, but I only saw them a few times over
the years. I didn't really know their families. I didn't get to attend their
weddings, their parties and not even their funerals, if they passed away. They
weren't there for me nor I for them during the good and bad times. Sure, I made
new friends, but none as good as the originals.
My family
was more of the same. I didn't have a place to go "back home" to. My
brothers or sisters didn't live down the street or a few miles away. I didn't
see my nieces and nephews grow up, just as my family didn't see my children
mature.
Many of
my friends from my school days have mentioned to me when I returned to WV and
would see them, how they wished they had made more money or had a bigger home
or nicer automobile. They thought that perhaps they made a mistake by not
leaving when they were young. But, I tell them how fortunate they are to have
stayed home with their friends and families. Believe me, the grass is not
always greener on the other side of the road or river
So, if
you live in the Mountain State , cherish the time you have had and whatever time
is left, with West Virginia 's
greatest natural resource-her people, your friends and family.
From John A. Teter (WI 1961)
I think
that what I miss the most about West Virginia (mainly
Clarksburg ) is
the relaxed atmosphere of living. I always enjoy going in for the WI picnics in
August, and this past summer when we were in for the WI picnic and WI
Centennial, my wife went with me and made comments about how FRIENDLY the
people in West Virginia were She would sit out on the bench at the Hampton Inn
on 79, and people that were out there with her just started conversations that
were very delightful. Here inVirginia, you sit outside and someone may say
"hello", but that is the extent of the conversations.
AND, of
course, I MISS TWIN OAKS and the PEPPERONI ROLLS that are just a West Virginia "staple"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Bill Bryan (RW 1957)
My wife
(Penny Ingram / Elkins HS 1961) and I moved to Port Charlotte , FL
in 1990. We lived here until Hurricane Charley in 2004, moving to Asheville , NC
in 2005 as "half-backs". In 2012, we moved back to Port Charlotte, Asheville being "too
young" for us. Asheville
(and west) is scenic and mountainous, while West Virginia is scenic and ("majestic
and grand") hills. And that is what I miss most about West Virginia . Once Rt. 19 was four-lanes
from Beckley to I-79, the drive from Beckley to Clarksburg
is one of the most enjoyable ever. The foliage, especially fall, and hills is
tops! I'm probably prejudiced, but deservedly so. By the way, let's not forget Clarksburg restaurants
and food.
From: Roleta1@aol.com
What I
miss most about West Virginia ?
Of course my friends and the friendly honest West
Virginians ….But other than that:
Oh, the
hills, beautiful hills,
How I
love those West Virginia
hills!
If o'er
sea o'er land I roam,
Still
I'll think of happy home,
And my
friends among the West Virginia
hills.
Editor’s note: It isn't too late to tell us what you miss about
SARA J. “JEANIE”
BURNETT CASTELLANA
Sara J. “Jeanie” Burnett Castellana, 81, of Clarksburg , entered into
eternal rest unexpectedly surrounded by her family on Friday, March 6, 2015.
Jeanie was born September 16, 1933, a daughter of the late
John and Anna “Annie” Tomaro Burnett.
She was also preceded in death by her brother, Sam
Burnett, and sister, Barbara “Beeb” Burnett Defazio.
Jeanie is survived by her loving husband, Thomas “Al”
“Coach” Castellana, whom she married July 9, 1956.
She is also survived by her three children, Shelia
Castellana Jenkins of Buckhannon and husband John, Sam “Zig” Castellana of
Clarksburg and wife Rosemary, Ruth Ann Castellana of Port Richey, FL, and
fiancé Jim Shonborn; five grandchildren, Joey Jenkins of Buckhannon, Matt
Jenkins of Bridgeport, Andrew Jenkins of Buckhannon, Sam Castellana and wife
Jamie of Clarksburg, and Michele Castellana Hess and husband Rick of Fairmont;
her last living sister, Carolyn Spagnuola of Tampa FL; and several nieces and
nephews.
Jeanie was expecting her first great-grandchild, “Joseph.”
Jeanie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister,
grandmother, aunt and friend. She was a homemaker who loved to cook and bake.
She was famous for her sea-foam icing.
She loved being around her family and friends and always
put a smile on our face. Jeanie always loved going to the beach with her
family. Anytime she was present, she always left us with a Jeanie story.
Jeanie lived a joyful and gracious life. We feel very
fortunate to have had her as part of our lives and for all the years she has
graced our presence. She will be greatly missed by all, but her memory will
live on forever in our hearts.
ORLETT RANDO
STROTHER
Orlett Rando “Pooch” Strother, Jr., age 72, of St. Petersburg , FL ,
passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015.
He was the son of the late Orlett Rando Strother and Pansy
Georgia (Hedricks) Strother.
He is survived by two children, James Dean Strother of St.
Petersburg, Florida, and Selena Gwyn Martin of St. Petersburg, Florida, and their
mother, Vesta Mae Strother of St. Petersburg, Florida; a grandson, Michael
Roger Martin of St. Petersburg, Florida; and son-in-law, Robert Tomcho of St.
Petersburg, Florida.
Orlett was a 3rd-degree Mason, Northside Lodge 283 F&A.M.
in St. Petersburg , FL , and a member of Republican National
Committee.
He graduated from Victory High School .
He worked in water management in Florida .
NANCY JO HARDY
Nancy Jo Hardy, age 71, of Mount
Clare , passed away on March 5, 2015,
at Ruby Memorial Hospital
following an extended illness.
She was born in Clarksburg ,
on January 18, 1944, a daughter of the late Clarence and Edna Murphy Davis.
Her husband, Leroy Hardy, whom she married on December 20,
1972, resides at their home in Mount
Clare .
Mrs. Hardy is also survived by her nieces and nephews who
were like her children.
She was Baptist by faith. She was a member of the Harrison
County Senior Citizens and enjoyed ceramics, she loved making greeting cards
called “Stampin’ Up” and enjoyed playing bingo.
JEANNE RAE HARMON
Jeanne Rae Harmon, age 68, of Clarksburg
went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 7, 2015, in New Market, Maryland .
She was born on January 27, 1947, in Clarksburg , the daughter of the late Raymond
and Beatrice (Stout) Linger.
Celebrating 50 years of marriage in 2014, Jeanne was
married to Dorrel Harman and had two daughters Kimberly Swisher, wife of David
of Monaca , PA ;
Kerri Rokisky, wife of Jody of New Market, Maryland . She was the beloved grandmother of
Kyle Swisher and wife, Katlin; Kaitlyn Swisher and fiancé, Jason Gerlowski;
Cameron Rokisky; and Chase Rokisky. She is survived by two brothers, Richard
Linger and wife, Paula, of Lumberport; Joe Linger and wife, Lynn, of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; three sisters Patricia Barclay and husband, Robert,
of Richmond, Virginia; Kay Nichols and husband, Richard, of Clarksburg; Sharon
Nicholson of Clarksburg.
Jeanne graduated from Washington Irving
High School in 1964 and
attended Fairmont State College. She worked 13 years respectively at
Consolidated Natural Gas and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She retired
in 2009 as a Program Analyst from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She was
an affiliate member of the Doddridge County CEO ’s
and active member of the Light House Baptist
Church in Salem . She loved the outdoors, camping,
gardening and spending time with the grandchildren.
DONNA MARIE HAYMOND
CRISS
Donna Marie Haymond Criss, 69, of Suds Run Road , Mount Clare ,
passed away suddenly on Monday, March 2, 2015, at her residence.
She was born in Clarksburg
on January 26, 1946, a daughter of the late Zane Forest Haymond and Norma Grogg
Haymond, who survives in Nutter Fort.
She was married to Michael Duane Criss on March 7, 1964,
who preceded her in death on January 28, 2009.
Surviving are one son, Christopher Michael Criss, of Enterprise;
one granddaughter, JoAnna Michelle Dawson Criss, of Mount Clare; two brothers,
Forrest Fields Haymond and his wife Diana, Lost Creek, and Ronald Zane Haymond
and Vanessa, of Clarksburg; four nephews, Brett and Eric Criss, Hampton Zane
Haymond and Forrest Fields Haymond, II; two nieces, Jenna Lynn Haymond-Robey
and MacKenzie Allyse Haymond; one great-niece, MaKenna Lynn Robey; and one
brother-in-law, Franklin Criss and his wife Judy, of Florence ,
KY.
Donna was a 1963 graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson
High School , was employed with the
Harrison County Board of Education for 21 years and was a retired secretary for
Wilsonburg Elementary School with 19 years of
service. She was a member of the Vincent
Memorial United
Methodist Church .
EDWARD PAGE LEASBURG
Edward Page Leasburg, born May 1, 1937, passed away on
March 8, 2015.
Ed was born in Clarksburg ,
WV , to Henry and Catherine
Leasburg. He had a happy childhood growing up with his beloved parents and
brothers and sisters, in the small town of Nutter Fort , WV. He graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School in 1955. During that time,
he worked at Pittsburgh Plate and Hazel Atlas glass factories.
In 1956, he married his first wife, Carolyn (Spelsberg)
Shiben. They had two sons, Thomas and David. Ed left WV in 1961 to join the
Metropolitan Police Department in Washington ,
D.C. In December 1961, he was
drafted into the Army during the Berlin and
Cuban crises, and was stationed at Fort
Carson , CO , with the
5th Military Police Company. While stationed in Colorado Springs , he met Donna (Shaw)
Axelson.
After being discharged from the Army in December 1963, Ed
returned to the D.C. Police Department. He and Donna were then married on Jan.
11, 1964, in Washington , D.C. They recently celebrated their 51st
wedding anniversary, and Ed will always be the love of her life. They lived in Arlington and Annandale VA , until Ed was retired, then moved to Colorado Springs , CO .
JANICE CHERYL SMITH
Janice Cheryl Smith departed this life at 2:35 p.m. on
March 10, 2015, at United Hospital Center ,
Bridgeport , WV , following an extended illness.
She was born January 25, 1955, in Bridgeport , WV ,
the daughter of the late Jesse W. and Vera Buckhannon Smith.
She is survived by two brothers, Jesse G. (Gary) Smith and
Lawrence E. (Larry) Smith of Bridgeport, WV; five sisters, Irene Swoger and
husband George of Clarksburg, WV, Shirley Fultineer of Lost Creek, WV, Beverly
Fultineer and husband Roy of Lost Creek, WV, Ann Smith of Bridgeport, WV, and
Carol Smith of Hepzibah, WV; one special nephew/son, William Smith and his wife
Kim of Bridgeport, WV; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by one brother, William
Smith, and three sisters, Agnes Jean Smith, Suann Fultineer and Barbara
Marteney.
Janice was in the graduating Class of 1974 fromBridgeport High School .
She was Baptist by faith and a member of the Summit Park
Baptist Church .
Janice was in the graduating Class of 1974 from
RUTH ELIZABETH
CLEVENGER
Ruth Elizabeth Clevenger, 86, of Brushy Fork Community,
passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday evening, February
28, 2015. She was born on April 25, 1928, in Hialeah , Florida ,
a daughter of the late Mark V. Brown and Marie Kail Brown.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles
Clevenger.
In addition to her husband she is also survived by her
son, William L. Clevenger and his wife Candace of Decatur, Illinois, and their
children.
Mrs. Clevenger was a 1946 graduate of Bridgeport High School
and also received her B.S. degree from West Virginia University
in 1950. She retired from teaching Physical Education at Bridgeport
Junior High School , having previously
taught at Victory High and Washington
Irving High
Schools .
Ruth, along with Martha Devericks and JoAnn Jones, was
responsible for the formation of the interscholastic sports programs for girls
in Harrison County . She was also an active member of
Trinity United Methodist
Church having served as
lay leader and as a member of the Wesleyan District Board of Ordained Ministry.
MARGUERITE V.
BARBERIO
Marguerite V. Barberio, age 95, of Clarksburg, WV, passed
away on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at Wyngate Assisted Living in
Parkersburg, WV. She was born on July
29, 1919, in Clarksburg ,
a daughter of the late Francisco and Teresa Martire Barberio.
Surviving Marguerite are one sister, Frances C. Diaz of Clarksburg ; 10 nieces and
nephews,. Also surviving are numerous great- and great-great-nieces and
nephews.
In addition to her parents, Marguerite was preceded in
death by her siblings and their spouses.
Marguerite was a graduate of Victory High School ,
Class of 1937. She worked 42 years with Hazel Atlas, Continental Can, Brockway,
Newell and Anchor Hocking companies.
JESSICA JEAN
MALFREGEOT
Jessica Jean Malfregeot, 62, of Thorn Stop Circle , Clarksburg ,
WV , passed away on Friday, March
13, 2015, in the United
Hospital Center
following an extended illness. She was born in Clarksburg on November 18, 1952, a daughter
of the late Clarence “Jess” Griffith and Patricia Jean Moore Eddy.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Malfregeot, whom
she married July 18, 1970; two sons, Thomas Jess Addison Malfregeot and his
wife Debbie, Clarksburg, and Joseph Rea Malfregeot and his companion Ann Marie
of Clarksbrug; two grandchildren two sisters, “Dina” McKinney, Virginia Beach,
and Angel Griffith, Clarksburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Jessica was a graduate of Victory High School ,
was co-owner of the Chatterbox and was Baptist by faith.
KENNETH EUGENE
HITCHCOCK
Kenneth Eugene Hitchcock, 78 years of age, of Bridgeport , passed away on February 28, 2015, at United Hospital
Center , Bridgeport .
Kenneth was born in Clarksburg ,
W.Va. , on March 8, 1936, a son of
Garnet May Arbogast and Eugene Lawrence Hitchcock.
PR Plus - Hunting and fishing
He is survived by his wife, Lucinda Rose Cottrill
Hitchcock; two daughters, Sandra (Mark) Bodenbach and Barbara Hitchcock; a son,
Kenneth Jr. and Beth Hitchcock; four grandchildren; one stepdaughter.
Kenneth enjoyed spending time with his classmates from the
Victory High School Class of 1955. He was an active member of the Meuse-Argonne
Post 573 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Bridgeport American Legion
Post 68.
He retired from the U.S. Navy with 20 years service and
several years with the United Auto Workers of Detroit, Michigan.
FRANCIS W. ANDERSON
Francis W. (Bill) Anderson ,
86, of Bridgeport , passed away Saturday morning,
March 14, 2015, at United
Hospital Center
after a brief illness.
He was born in Hundred on June 6, 1928, a son of the late
William D. Anderson and Mildred L. (Heiman) Anderson Bebout, and lived his
entire life in the Clarksburg and Bridgeport area.
Bill is survived by his wife and best friend for 68
wonderful years, Evelyn Fortney Anderson, whom he married on June 15, 1946.
Also surviving are a son, William Anderson and friend
Barbara, Mogadore , OH ;
daughter, Margaret Smith, Fairmont ; five
grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Anderson and his
wife Barbara, Clarksburg ;
and many nieces and nephews and numerous friends and loving neighbors.
He attended Roosevelt-Wilson
High School and was later
employed by the Hope Gas Company, retiring on January 1, 1988, as a crew
foreman after 35 years of service.
FRANKLIN ALAN DePOLO
Franklin (Frank) Alan DePolo died peacefully on March 7,
2015, in Sylvania , Ohio , at the age of 95.
Frank is survived by his sister, Aralina Ferrella of Toledo , Ohio .
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Theodore,
Johnny, Louie and Pete, and his sisters, Victoria, Louise and Rose.
Frank was born on January 11, 1920, in Nutter Fort, West
Virginia, to Teresa Lucente and Peter DePolo.
He graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High
School in 1938, where he earned a varsity letter
in football three times. He worked at the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company until
he was drafted into the Army on November 19, 1942. He initially served for the
Military Intelligence Division in Washington , D.C. , and was later stationed in India until 1946, when he was
honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.
He attended Marshall
University on a football
scholarship and graduated in 1949 with a B.A. degree in Social Science and
Business Administration. He also received a teaching degree at Marshall and went on to receive his master’s
degree in Political Science and Sociology in 1951. Frank taught school in West Virginia and Ohio before
settling in Detroit , Michigan , where he taught high school for
over 30 years.
Frank was an accomplished teacher. He was an avid
proponent of higher education and dedicated his life accordingly, often
spending his summers at conferences advancing his craft.
JUDITH KAY ALLEN
SCHARLE
Judith Kay Scharle, 71, passed away on Thursday, March 12,
2015 in a Virginia Beach
hospital. She was an educator, professor, writer, author, and world traveler
over her life. Born in Fairmont ,
West Virginia , she was the
daughter of the late Eleanor Estelle Pugh Allen and Arthur Ray Allen, Sr.
Judy was a graduate of Fairmont State
University with a
bachelor's degree in English and business. Furthering her education, she
obtained her Master's Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ,
and studied at U.V.A. Following college, she traveled extensively in Europe and
Scandinavia , visiting or living in 23
countries. During her high school teaching years, she taught at Parkersburg High School
in West Virginia , the Department of Defense in
Goose Bay Labrador, Kellam High School in Virginia Beach ,
and for 26 years at Maury High School in Norfolk .
She also was an Adjunct Professor at Tidewater
Community College and University of Phoenix . She was a writer for The Wall
Street Journal, and most recently was a Senior Editor for The Downtowner
magazine in Norfolk .
In 1980 she was listed in the "Who's Who in Vocational Education in America ".
Left to cherish her memory is her beloved daughter,
Jennifer A. Phipps (Kenneth) and their son, Connor of Chesapeake; her brother,
Ray Allen (Judy) of Dover , DE ;
her partner, William "Buddy" B. Jones of Norfolk and his daughter Elizabeth Dudley
(Mike); nieces and nephews.
LLOYD C. HART
Our dear father, Lloyd C. Hart, 82, of Charleston , died peacefully, Wednesday, March
11, 2015, after a short illness.
He was born and raised in Clarksburg , the son of the late Lloyd W. and
Marguerite Hart.
He graduated from Washington
Irving High
School , class of 1950, Clarksburg ,
and Indiana Institute of Technology with a BS degree in Civil Engineering.
Lloyd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and
was stationed in Germany .
He retired from Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation, his only job following
his college graduation. During his career at Columbia Gas, he was a supervisor
in the Civil Engineering Department, a registered land surveyor and a member of
the American Association of Civil Engineers.
Lloyd was a past member and president of the Cross Lanes
Club. He also delivered “Meals on Wheels” for many years in the Kanawha City area.
He was a member of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the
Sacred Heart, Charleston ,
and was active in the St. Camillus Society, a group who regularly visited the
sick or shut-ins, who were unable to attend Mass for communion.
Lloyd was also an avid bridge player and a true, loyal West
Virginia Mountaineer fan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Kingrey
Hart; former wife, Barbara L. Hart; oldest son, Lloyd H. Hart; brother, Robert
Hart; and stepson, Barry Bossie.
He is survived by his sister, Joan Viglianco of
Bridgeport; daughters, Vickie Webb of Lexington, KY, and Valerie Nelson and her
husband Rex of Nitro; sons, Joseph Hart and his wife Beverly of St. Albans and
Gregory Hart and Karen of Nitro; stepchildren, Blair Bossie of San Antonio, TX,
John E. Franklin of Russell, KY, and Kimberly Love of East Bank; Lloyd was also
very proud and supportive of his 11 grandchildren, attending most of the
activities in which they participated, and is additionally survived by 10
great-grandchildren
RICHARD VANCE FISHER
Richard Vance Fisher, 79, of Fuquay Varina , North Carolina ,
passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015. He was born in Spelter on May 19, 1935,
the son of the late Samuel I. Fisher and Mary Elizabeth Bee. His wife, Della R.
Campbell Fisher, whom he married May 29, 1955, resides at their home in North Carolina .
Surviving are his son, Richard Vance Fisher Jr., and his
wife Mary Lou of Holly Springs , North
Carolina . One daughter, Elizabeth Ann Beall and her
husband, James of Partkton, North
Carolina . Four grandchildren and four great
grandchildren. His brother, Jennings Fisher, and his wife Lydia of Spelter, as
well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
his grandson, Christopher Jason Fisher; three brothers and three sisters,
Eugene, William, and Adam Fisher, Kathleen Garcia, Opal McIntyre, and Louise
Edenfield.
Vance graduated from Victory High School .
He attended the FBI
Academy , having gone on
to retire from the United States Park Police in the detective division. He was
also in advanced security for two United States Secretaries of
Interior, a security liaison to the White House during the George W. Bush
Administration. In affiliation with his line of work, he was a member of the
U.S. Park Police Association.
In his spare time, he was an active golfer, having served
on the Master Board of Kelly Greens Golf and Country Club. He played an active
role for fundraising for Hope Hospice in Fort
Myers , Florida . He
was an active member of the St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers , Florida ,
where he also served as an usher.
JOAN CLEMENTE LAROSA
Joan LaRosa, age 78, of Clarksburg , WV ,
passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015, after an extended hospital stay.
She was born July 5, 1936, in Clarksburg , WV ,
a daughter of the late Salvatore Clemente and Jenny (Monsick) Clemente.
Joan is survived by a son, Virgil D. LaRosa and his wife
Sandra of Buckhannon, WV; two daughters, Andrea Pecora-Fucillo and her husband
Rocco of Clarksburg, WV, and Jennifer LaRosa Ward and her husband Christopher
D. of Clarksburg, WV; five grandchildren; two brothers, and a sister, Palma
Dale of Rockford, IL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by
her husband, Virgil B. LaRosa; and two sisters, Rosemary Arco and Antoinette
Blackwell.
She was a graduate of Washington Irving
High School and soon
thereafter began working at Maidenform until her marriage.
She had one love of her life, her husband, Virgil LaRosa,
married over 50 years.
She dedicated 50 years of service to her community. She
was like a mother to many people during these years of owning and operating the
Parson Hotel. She never turned away anyone who needed her help, and she
specialized in saving lost souls.
DONALD LEE FLOYD, SR.
Donald Lee Floyd, Sr., age 85, of Clarksburg , WV ,
passed away on March 20, 2015, at his residence.
He was born on May 15, 1929, in Clarksburg , WV ,
the son of late Harold I. Floyd and Mabel (Cunningham) Floyd. Donald is
survived by a son, Donald Lee Floyd Jr. and his wife, Sandy of Spelter, WV;
three daughters, Donna Jean Bailey and her husband, Al of Erie, Donette
Stalnaker and husband, Randy of Lamberts Run and Donita (Sam) Jackson and her
husband, Mike of Erie; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. In addition
to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, whom he married on
November 9, 1953, Ella Jean White, who died on September 11, 2004.
Donald was a graduate of Victory High School
in 1947. He served during the Korean War in the United States Navy from
1948-1952. He worked for the Mathenson & Hegler Zinc Company for 18 years
and retired from Consolidation Coal Company Robinson Run Mines in May 1991
after 21 years of service.
JOAN CLEMENTE LaROSA
Joan Clemente LaRosa, age 78, of Clarksburg , WV ,
passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015, after an extended hospital stay.
She was born July 5, 1936, in Clarksburg , WV ,
a daughter of the late Salvatore Clemente and Jenny (Monsick) Clemente.
Joan is survived by a son, Virgil D. LaRosa and his wife Sandra of
Buckhannon, WV; two daughters, Andrea Pecora-Fucillo and her husband Rocco of
Clarksburg, WV, and Jennifer LaRosa Ward and her husband Christopher D. of
Clarksburg, WV; five grandchildren; two brothers, Salvatore Clemente of
Clarksburg, WV, and Joseph Clemente of Reynoldsville, WV; and a sister, Palma
Dale of Rockford, IL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her
husband, Virgil B. LaRosa; and two sisters, Rosemary Arco and Antoinette
Blackwell.
She was a graduate of Washington
Irving High
School and soon thereafter began working at
Maidenform until her marriage.
She had one love of her life, her husband, Virgil LaRosa, married
over 50 years.
She dedicated 50 years of service to her community. She was like a
mother to many people during these years of owning and operating the Parson
Hotel. She never turned away anyone who needed her help, and she specialized in
saving lost souls.
JEANNE RAE HARMAN
Jeanne Rae Harman, age 68, of Clarksburg went to be with the Lord on
Saturday, March 7, 2015 in New Market, MD. She was born on January 27, 1947 in Clarksburg , the daughter
of the late Raymond and Beatrice (Stout) Linger.
Celebrating 50 years of marriage in 2014, Jeanne was
married to Dorrel “D.G.” Harman and had two daughters Kimberly Swisher, wife of
David of Monaca, PA; Kerri Rokisky, wife of Jody of New Market, MD. She was the
beloved grandmother of Kyle Swisher and wife, Katlin; Kaitlyn Swisher and
fiancé, Jason Gerlowski; Cameron Rokisky; and Chase Rokisky. She is survived by
two brothers, Richard Linger and wife, Paula, of Lumberport; Joe Linger and
wife, Lynn, of Pittsburgh, PA; three sisters Patricia Barclay and husband, Robert,
of Richmond, VA; Kay Nichols and husband, Richard, of Clarksburg; Sharon
Nicholson of Clarksburg.
Jeanne graduated from Washington Irving
High School in 1964 and
attended Fairmont State College. She worked 13 years respectively at
Consolidated Natural Gas and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She retired
in 2009 as a Program Analyst from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She was
an affiliate member of the Doddridge County CEO
’s and active member of the Light House Baptist
Church in Salem . She loved the outdoors, camping,
gardening and spending time with the grandchildren.
TOM BLIZZARD
From Dayton Ohio , but formerly from Clarksburg WV ,
Tome Blizzard died on August 26 2014 from complications from COPD. (Tom’s wife
Ann has contacted Roleta) Tom had many friends in Clarksburg and did attend school there with
some of our readers before moving away prior to graduation.
Tom really enjoyed the newsletter. He told his wife often that he was going to go back and
visit his old friends in WV and wanted to see Clarksburg and WV again.
This proves life is so fragile;
don’t put off anything for another day as that other day may never come!