Robert Joseph Milacci
Robert Joseph Milacci, 36, recently of New York, NY, lost his short, courageous battle with brain cancer on Friday, February, 13, 2009. He was the beloved husband of Jennifer (Haylor) and loving father of Laurel Katherine and Robert Beck. Born February 12, 1973, he is survived by his parents, Robert P. Milacci of Bridgeville, PA, and Beteena (Marlowe) Marburger of Sewickley, PA. He is also survived by his step-mother Annette (Paesano) Milacci, his step-father Donald Marburger, his brother Gregg Milacci of Boston, MA, his grandmother Eileen Marlowe Hall of Sutton, WV, and his step-grandmother Agnes Paesano.
Robb graduated from Bethel Park High School (1991), Carnegie Mellon University (B.S., 1995) and NYU Stern School of Business (M.B.A., 2004). He was formerly employed by J.P. Morgan Securities, Putnam Investments, Landmark Technologies, and Fidelity Investments, and was an independent film consultant and most recently a proud stay-at-home dad.
Robb loved his family, cherished his friends, enjoyed traveling, read comics, ran marathons, watched films avidly, scuba dived, and dreamt of his family’s future. He was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, the CFA Institute, and the New York Society of Securities Analysts. A service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 1pm at St. Peter’s Church, 346 West 20th Street, New York, NY. A reception will be held immediately following at The Park, 118 10th Avenue. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Brain Tumor Fund in his memory. Please contact P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087 or www.mskcc.org/makeagift.
Lowell N. Cook
Lowell N. Cook, 85, of Point Pleasant died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at Cornerstone Hospital, Huntington.
He was a member of New Hope Bible Baptist Church, Point Pleasant, and was a retired educator and administrator with more than 40 years of service, having been employed in Mason, Clay, Jackson and Wirt counties. He was a 1942 graduate of Clay County High School and a 1951 graduate of West Virginia University and the College of Graduate Studies, where he obtained his superintendent and principal certifications. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran and served as Mason County Fair president for several years, as well as being instrumental in starting the county fair. He was secretary of the Mason County Solid Waste Authority, a member of Regional Resource Conservation and Development, Point Pleasant in Bloom Committee, Tourism Committee of Mason County, Fort Randolph Committee and the Gateway Committee of Mason and Putnam Counties.
Lowell was born Sept. 3, 1923, in Birch Run and was a son of the late Patrick Burton and Lula Estep Cook. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Minor Cook and Bobby Cook; and four sisters, Blondy Jarrett, Mabel Davis and two infant sisters.
Surviving is his wife, Arlene B. Butcher Cook of Point Pleasant; a daughter and son-in-law, Karen J. and Wendell Bacon of Point Pleasant; a son and daughter-in-law, Keith R. and Phyllis Cook of Easley, S.C.; four grandchildren, Varian Cook of Easley, S.C., Ian Costelli of Elizabeth Town, Ky., Corey (Kim) Costelli of Gulfport and Nicolas Costelli of Gulfport; two stepgrandchildren, Daniel and Shaun Bacon of Louisville, Ky.; a great-granddaughter, Amelia Costelli of Gallipolis, Ohio; two sisters, Gladys King of Noblesville, Ind., and Darreline (Okey) Burroughs of Clay; special nieces, Yvonne Barnes of Jacksonville, Florida, and Kaye Mullins of Point Pleasant; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services was held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at New Hope Bible Baptist Church, Point Pleasant, with Pastor Dean Warner officiating. Burial followed in Kirkland Memorial Gardens, Point Pleasant.
Visitation was conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wilcoxen Funeral Home, Point Pleasant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Hope Bible Baptist Church, 3 Robinson St., Point Pleasant, WV 25550, or Pleasant Valley Hospital Auxiliary, Valley Drive, Point Pleasant, WV 25550.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.
William R. “Bill” Sharpe, Jr.
Senator William R. “Bill” Sharpe Jr., 80, of Weston, a senator of West Virginia, representing Braxton, Lewis, Gilmer and Harrison counties for the past 44 years, passed away at his residence Sunday, February 15, 2009, following an extended illness.
He was born October 28, 1928, in Harrison County, and was a son of the late William Richard Sharpe Sr. and Helen Rebecca Whitwam Sharpe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Pauline Lester Sharpe; two brothers, Robert W. Sharpe and Thomas H. Sharpe; and four sisters; Barbara Lee Sharpe, Elizabeth Robertson-Gibson, Patricia Minehart and Helen Louise Stull.
He is survived by niece, Deanna Wilson Carver of Florida; sisters, Thurza Margaret Righter of Clarksburg, Marilyn Kay Borror and husband, Ronald, of Stuart, Fla., Rebecca Sue Mosley and husband, Gary, of Stuart, Fla., and Charlotte Sharpe of Bridgeport; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank and recognize George Shelhammer, Denise Tucker and Rita and Ray Woofter for the love and care they provided.
Senator Sharpe was elected in 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. He was President Pro Tempore of the 70th, 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th, 76th, 77th and 78th Legislatures. He served on the following committees: Energy, Industry and Mining (chair), Finance (vice chair), Agriculture, Banking and Insurance, Health and Human Resources, Rules, Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability, Joint Committee on Government and Finance, Commission on Special Investigations. He was Senate Majority Whip for the 61st through the 64th Legislatures, chair of the Committee on Interstate Cooperation for the 67th Legislature; chair of the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining, for the 68th through 76th Legislatures; vice chair of the Committee on Finance for the 75th, 76th, 77th and 78th Legislatures; chairman of the Southern Legislative Energy Board; and a member of the Executive Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference.
He was a 1947 graduate of Victory High School and a graduate of Salem College, West Virginia University and the Montgomery College of Engineering, Takoma Park, Maryland.
He was an electrical contractor and registered professional electrical engineer. He was a Methodist, a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Eagles, Moose, Elks, Odd Fellows, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at WVU, the WVU Alumni Association and the West Virginia State Democratic Executive Committee.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21, at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Weston, with the Rev. Rupert Evans and the Rev. Jonathan Nettles officiating. Private family interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Mount Clare Road, Clarksburg.
Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Boyle Funeral Home, 322 Main Ave., Weston, and one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Matthew United Methodist Church or a favorite charity.
Boyle Funeral Home, Weston, is in charge of arrangements.
Lorene Cunningham
Lorene Cunningham, 93, of Birch River, died February 17, 2009 in Braxton Health Care Center, Sutton, WV. She was born August 12, 1915 in Exchange, WV, a daughter of the late Okey & Patricia Duffield. Also preceding her in death were her husband Sherman Cunningham; son Edward Cunningham; daughter Pauline Cox & her husband Kenny; and grandson-in-law Danny Taylor.
She was a Baptist by Faith an attended the Boggs Methodist Church. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by 3 daughters Geraldine Coffman and husband Audice of Little Birch, Charlotte Amos of Summersville, and Wilma Wilson & husband Sam of Summersville; granddaughter she raised Sharon Taylor of Gallipolis, OH; and several grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19,2009 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton with Pastor Gary Walker officiating. Burial was in the Barnette Cemetery, near Boggs. Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are by Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton.
Lavoo Fanntella Westfall
On an unusually warm February 10, 2009 Lavoo Westfall of Gassaway, West Virginia passed away peacefully at Braxton County Memorial Hospital after a long battle with emphysema. Lavoo, also known fondly by many as “Boo” is survived by her husband Cary Westfall, her son Rocky Westfall, her daughter Cathy Westfall, her sisters Jackie Johnson and Rene Friend, as well as nieces, Teena Brandick, Terry Dobbins, Lisa Rader, Tammy Cogar, Debbie Davis and nephew Jeff Johnson, many cousins, great nieces and nephews, and her special Pekingese, “Sammy.” Her caretakers Sandy Jones, Emma Criner and Karen Samples, who with love and devotion took such good care of her for the past year, also survive her. A special thanks to Sandy, Emma and Karen as well as Jackie, Terry, Rene, Tammy, Lisa, Jeff and Jeff’s wife Tish for all of the love and attention the showed “Boo” during her illness and time in Gassaway. Her dad Lantie Davis and her Mother Gladys Davis, as well as her brother Jim Davis preceded Lavoo in death.
Lavoo’s life was not always easy but she dearly loved her husband Cary and her son and daughter Rocky and Cathy and all of her dogs. She enjoyed a glass of wine with a cigarette, a good meal, CNN and many chocolate candy bars!! She was beautiful; she was a great cook, gardener and mother. She had a sharp mind and sharp tongue but she always was honest and fair. She was as unusual and unique as her name, and she will be remembered and missed by all who met her.
A thank you to Hospice Care Corporation, Braxton County Memorial Hospital, Charleston General Memorial Hospital, United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, Braxton Health Care Center and every health care professional who helped with Lavoo’s medical needs. All of you are special people who perform a physically and emotionally demanding job, and it is very much appreciated.
If anyone is so inclined you can show respects to Lavoo by making a donation to your local SPCA.
Would love to hear from anyone who knew Lavoo or wants to share a story: Rocky Westfall 5563 Carietans Lane The Plains, VA 20198, Phone 540-253-5921 e-mail rw@southerntrust.com
Richard M. Roach, Funeral Home, Gassaway handled funeral arrangements.
Robert L. Gay
Robert L. Gay, 80, or Rocky Mount, North Carolina, formerly of Gassaway, West Virginia died February 16, 2009
He was retired from CSX and was a member of the Gassaway Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Margaret Gay; daughter, Bobbi Gay; brother Eugene Gay.
Son, Ralph Gay of Sutton; daughter, Rhonda Dunning with whom he resided with; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren survive him.
Private graveside services were held at the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.
Arrangements by Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Albert Allen Dancy
Albert Allen Dancy, 50, of Summersville, died February 15, 2009 at his residence. He was born February 7, 1959 in Sutton, West Virginia, a son of the late Albert and Martha Madora Carte Dancy.
He was a carpenter, a coal miner for Massey Coal, and a member of the American Hunting Association and Friends of Coal.
He is survived by 2 sons Adam Dancy of Dille and Jason Dancy of Cowen; 4 brothers Roger Dancy of Peach Orchard, Wayne Dancy of Birch River, Delbert Dancy of Reach Orchard and Bobby Dancy of Summersville; 3 sisters Orpha McKinney of Peach Orchard, Judy McIntyre of Sutton and Barbara Gray of Clay; half-brother Curtis Dancy of Ohio; and 3 grandchildren Isaiah, Daran and Talen Dancy.
Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton with Rev. Danny Richardson officiating. Burial was in the Dancy Family Cemetery, Dille. WV.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are by Greene-Robertson Funeral Home Sutton, WV.
Bobby Freeman
Bobby Freeman, 56, of Sutton died February 19, 2009 at his home. He was born in Sutton, West Virginia, on December 10, 1952, a son of the late Vaden & Thelma Nicholson Freeman.
He Attended the Eakle Community Church, was an Army Veteran and a carpenter.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Butcher Freeman; 2 stepsons, Darrell Malcomb of Sutton and Roy Malcomb of Heaters; 1 step daughter Marsha Barnhouse of Heaters; 2 brothers Junior Dale Freeman of Tesla and James “Bud” Freeman of Muddlety; 3 sisters Lola Windom of Sutton, Marie Call of Chapel and Shirley Rayal of Barberton, OH; 5 step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, with Pastor Paul Gillespie officiating. Burial will be in Cox Cemetery near Birch River, WV. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are by Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, WV.
Virginia A. Hamric
Virginia A. Hamric, 70, of Stumptown, West Virginia, passed away February 18, 2009.
She was born February 11, 1939 in Gilmer County a daughter of the late William Scott and Elizabeth Mabel Conrad Hardman.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Rosedale Baptist Church.
Her husband, Roy D. Hamric in 1991, preceded her in death.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Veda and Dave Wisniewski of Garfield Heights, Oh and Ronna and Craig Fisher of Eastlake, OH; grandson, Scott Poling and wife, Alison; three great granddaughters, Kaila, Dakota and Abby.
Services were held 1 pm Saturday, February 21 at the Rosedale Baptist Church with Elder Larry Fisher officiating. Burial was in the Collins Cemetery, Stumptown.
