THE WI NEWSLETTER 04/14


THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 176 April 2014






HERE ARE SOME LITTLE BUNNIES
FROM OUR PAST
WISHING YOU A HAPPY EASTER

submitted by: Erma Lynn Loria Uhle (WI '59)



I think it was either fourth or fifth grade. I can't remember everyone's name, but I bet Fred does.

First row: Mark Garrett, David Hornor, ???, and then guess who?
Second row: I only can remember Babette standing behind me. Hope I made the newsletter for Easter.



MARCH EVENT

We started gathering on Saturday, March 8, 2014 around 10:30 am at the Twin Lakes Pavilion in Sarasota, Florida for the Annual Clarksburg Reunion Picnic. The sky was a beautiful clear blue with hardly a cloud in sight. It was about 65 degrees which was a little cool for most of us and we started the day with jackets, but as the day progressed and it warmed up. There were 102 present for the fun day. It was wonderful seeing familiar faces and meeting new people.

Every drop of the Clarksburg style hot dog chili was eaten and so many said it was as good as any on a hot dog back home in West Virginia.

We ate, we visited and some were lucky enough to win a door prize. The pictures were taken.....have any of you ever gone back through the archives to any March or April newsletter of past years and compared the picnic pictures with the current ones? We have changed through the years.

The sale of quilt tickets earned us $3,730.00 for the WIN Scholarship. I chose the tallest man, Bob Clousson, in the group to hold the box of tickets as high as he could and I selected Dotty Rutan, one of the shorter ladies, to pull the ticket out of the box of the person who won the quilt.

The winner of the 2014 WIN Scholarship Quilt ("ALMOST HAVEN") is Bob Hall. Actually, Bob is a very lucky man., he won the quilt last year too.

My thanks to all the faithful people who come every year and make this a wonderful day for all who attend. Thanks for the ones who always pitch in and help. Most have been coming so long and they know the routine so well that it certainly helps Bill and I enjoy the day too.

Thanks for another terrific Clarksburg Reunion Picnic. Mark your calendar:

The next

CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC
is SCHEDULED for
MARCH 7, 2015




THE 2014 WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

"ALMOST HEAVEN"

NOTE: Notice the blue border? The material was printed with the state of West Virginia. Several of the quilters worked the map of West Virginia from the material into their design. It is lovely. And if Bob Hall doesn't want it, I get first dibs on it. I love quilts and I "need" another one!!!!!!


Pictured above is Kitty Sager, wife of Don Sager, WI 1956. Kitty made 2 of the quilt squares for us this year.

Go to the top left corner and the first square in that row was made by Pam Wolfe Brown, beside it was a square made by Mary Virginia Wilke, next square was made by Joyce Royce and the one in the top right corner was made by Barb Charles and is a Friendship Star.

Second row: from left to right, Mary Ann Hite Willliams. Mary Sue Clark Spahr, Mary Harbert Nopsker, and the square on the right is named Union and was made by Lin Stricker.

Third row: Kitty's Dogwood square, next one is from Elaine Zabeau Norteman, the next square pattern is named Magnolia and is from Kitty also, then Sherry Hutchinson Keith made the WV Shooting Star square.

Fourth row: first square was made by Mary Hilick, then Carolyn Layfield Cady, then Gig Selby Meredith and Liz Custer Carder. Liz's square is "Almost Heaven" for which the 2014 WIN quilt is named.

All the squares are sent to Sue Selby Moats and she arranges them, does all the borders, the edging and backing. She then uses a longarm quilting machine to quilt the entire quilt with special stitching designs that enhance the entire design.

Thank you ladies. Because of you, and the $3,370.00 raised this year from the quilt, we will again give 2 each WIN Scholarships for 2014.



A FEW PICTURES FROM THE CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC


The people from Clarksburg gather for the picnic reunion. We have several pictures here for you to enjoy but many of the people attending left before we got their pictures. We had some men from the 1970's who came to eat and visit and make a promise that they would come back next year and bring more Clarksburg people from the 70's with them.



THE LADIES SELL A FEW MORE TICKETS



Eileen Feldman, Kitty Sager and Barbara Allen Gordon.




WI CLASS OF 1956


And with the most present, and they let us all know it....Note: to those in this class--- my class tied your class with 11 present at the picnic. Only Clara Jason Davis left before the picture was taken.

front row l-r: Barbara Allen Gordon, Mary Sue Clark Spahr, Marolyn Tustin Jett, Mary Ann Baily Donato, Sandy Zickefoose Lindke, Bernie Cohen
back row:Augie Malfregeot, Babe Bisping Cashman, Roy Feldman, Jim Alvaro, Don Sager



Classes 1945-1955




Above are classmates from 1945-1955
Was great seeing all of you again.

Left to right: (front row) Bill Strickler, Martha Rice, Sara Laber, Bud Collins
(back row) Buck Tustin, Bob Closson, Bob White, David Lawrence Kinney



CLASSES OF 1957


Those pictured above are members of the Classes of 1957---

It was nice to have Bill and David join us each year.....they would like to see more from RW at the picnic and we love them being with us. They seem to have a great time. They are part of our family now.

Front Row: left to right Sam Urso (WI), Bill Bryan (RW), Diana Folio (WI), Sam Selario (WI), Dick Childers (WI) Frank Muscari (WI), David Olivero (RW),
Back Row (L to r) Jim Brown (WI), Ed Wilfong (WI), Buck Hornor (WI), Rusty Rutan (WI), Tom Allen (WI)

Class of 1957...almost won the title of the most present from WI but they borrowed their friends from RW to round up the number a bit...LOL



WI CLASS OF 1958



It was nice to see our classmates from 1958 having a good time.

L-R: ? , Jean Vickers, Barbara Warren Williams, Dotty Taggart Rutan, Terry Shorr



WI CLASS OF 1959



Picture above was sent to me by Glenn Cowgill.

WI Class of 1959- It was so good to see so many turn out for a fun week-end/afternoon. I wish we could get more of you to join us. Maybe next year.

left to right----Jay Sharp, Larry Martino, Carolyn White Rector, Sharon Orme Wilfong, Glen Cowgill, Erma Lynn Loria Uhle, Bob Rector, Sallie Holden Day, Fred Alvaro, Roleta Smith Meredith,

ABSCENT FROM PICTURE was Clara Jason Davis



WI 1965


I think these classmates had a great time. I heard so much laughter from them, it was so good to see each one. I hope they have more classmates from 1965 join us next year. It is a casual mini reunion for any group without all the hard work.

Bryan McIntyre, Margaret Cleavenger McIntyre, Keith Nixon, Pat Nixon, Rose Bosley McGee, Margie Murphy Kovach and the back row is John A. Kovach.

Hope more from the 1960's join us next year.



CLASS OF 1960



Above is a great picture of part of their group and then a few others heard the "Call" and joined in for a retake.



Pam Wolfe Brown, Frank Martino, Linda Oliverio Kolosly, Chuck Vickers, Patricia Hickman

All of these people are from the class of 1960, so good to see old friends and a few new faces too. Hope more will come and join them next year.



NOTRE DAME



Front row; (l to r) Pat Pursak, Liz Tustin, Donnie Oliverio, Bill Doyle, Vinnie Oliverio
Second row; ? , Pat Elder, John Kovach

Loads of laughs were heard from these people as they met and saw neighbors and friends from their time in Clarksburg




VICTORY


Our friends from Victory: We used to get a large group of friends from Victory HS....I hope next year there will be more people representing Victory.

(l to r) Della Sue Armistead Shelinn, Terry and Sharon Fleming



BROAD OAKS

This is probably the largest group of neighbors present and they certainly have a lot of fun together remembering fun times form the past.


Left to right:Jim Brown, Terry Shorr, Dick Vickers in the blue shirt, in white ball cap in the back row is Don Sager, front row in red pants is Jean Vickers, ?______, Bob Williams back row, Patricia Hickman in green outfit, left of her in the back row is Pat Elder, ? ___________don't know who is directly in front of Pat, Fred Alvaro, Bud Collins, Jim Alvaro, Roy Feldman, Mary Sue Clark Spahr, is this David Lawrence Kinney, Roleta Meredith (an honorary adopted Broadoaksian).



SISTERS IN LAW
BOTH FROM BRIDGEPORT, WV



l to r: Karen Poe Alvaro, married to Fred Alvaro WI 1959, Sonja Grossa Alvaro, married to Jim Alvaro WI 1956



CREDITS

Names of those pictured were provided by: Robert J. Cravey-(husband of Patricia Hickman Cravey 1960)

Pictures were taken by: Bruce Gordon (husband of Barbara Allen Gordon) unless otherwise noted.


Pictured above are Bruce and wife Barbara Allen Gordon. They flew into Florida from NY for the picnic again this year. They are 2 really fun people...So glad they joined us.

If you would like to see more pictures of the picnic group click on the link below which was provided by Bruce Gordon.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/105284191720290433071/albums/5989308152123254417? authkey=CJrS1OblyPqWHQ



A STORY VIA EMAILS

On March 7th, I received the following interesting email. It is a small world.

HELLO

I was wearing my West Virginia University hat at Siesta Key Beach a couple days ago when we met Linda (Oliverio) Kolosky and her brothers. We had a Great conversation and they gave me your E-Mail. We would enjoy meeting others from West-Virginia. If you could put us on your Newsletter List we will try to catch up with you next year.

E-MAIL: flashofgold@outlook.com

GO WVU & MARSHALL
JAY & KAREN GANZ

I returned with this email: From Roleta1@aol.com: hat is wonderful. I will add you to the list. Where are you from in WV.?

He replied:
I moved to West Virginia in 1943. Graduated from Richwood High School in 1949. Went to WVU from 1950-1953. Drafted into Army from 1954-1956. Finished my B.S. in Wildlife Management at WVU -Graduated in 1957. I then went to Ohio Northern University for B.S. in Pharmacy - Graduated in 1962.

GLAD YOU ADDED US TO YOUR LIST

JAY & KAREN

SO------WELCOME JAY AND KAREN GANZ...hope to meet you next year.



YEAH!

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)

Through the WI Newsletter and the gifts from our readers, we will present 2 WIN Scholarships this year. The total given back to Clarksburg by supporting this project for education of graduates and with the 2014 scholarships, we have given:

$50,000.00

Thank you for being part of this project.



SNOW!

DID YOU SEE ENOUGH OF IT THIS YEAR?
REMEMBER THE HISTORICAL SNOW STORM OF 1950?



submitted by: Marlene Parsons Andre (RW '53)
eandre@mi.rr.com

Oh yes I sure do remember that snow of 1950. I was 15 at the time. It started to snow on either the day before Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving day. It came down like it was never going to stop. The snow flakes were as big as quarters, and people commented on that for a long time. It was fun for we "young people" . The roof of Roosevelt Wilson was weakened from that snow and they built trusses inside the building, while they were making it safe again. We were not allowed to come back to school for over a week! Some of the trusses were still there at that time. You know the old railing that went in front of the building is still there. That amazes me! We used to sit on it till time to go in!



submitted by: Marcia Young Fletcher (WI '64)
myfletcher@gmail.com

I remember the snow of 1950. I was 4 years old. My father shoveled a path from our back door, through our large back yard on Woodland Ave. in Stealey. Walking through the path I could see nothing but white on either side.



submitted by: Roleta (WI '59)

I think this was the house that was beside our house in Wolf Summit when we lived there for a very short time...but during the big snow. Harry and Jean McKinney lived there. He drove that car to work in a coal mine and always parked it there. The tall man on the porch looks like Harry. The other man was Warden ? He was a WWII veteran who married a lady in England. I think her name was Monica. We moved from there when I was in grade school.





DID YOU PLAY ORANIZED SPORTS IN HIGH SCHOOL?

submitted by: Roleta (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com

I think I was pretty good athletically when in school. I participated in play ground organized sports. I took phys. ed for 2 years in Central and 2 years at WI....but I like sports so well that I was asked by our Phys. Ed. teacher, Mrs. Eleanor Alessi, to be a Phys. Ed. assistant. I did a little bit of everything for the classes. I led exercises, took the roll, inspected uniforms. acted as a referee during basketball games, etc. I participated in every organized sport that was available to a female at WI . What sport did you participate in while in high school? Did you earn a letter? What school did you attend, were organized sports available at your high school while you were there?

I didn't earn a letter. You see, for some reason there were no organized sports for girls at WI when I attended there. Girls seem to have received participation letters before I was in school and after I graduated but for some reason there were none during my time. Does anyone know why? Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

I do remember going to West Virginia University when I was a senior and I participated in a volley ball competition. Does anyone else remember this?



EMAIL ADDRESSES

Jim Alvaro (WI '56) is once again jalvaro@aol.com
Jay and Karen Ganz (Richwood HS '49)
GO WVU & MARSHALL		 flashofgold@outlook.com
Blair Holden (WI '64) bholden410@comcast.net
Sandra Conwell McMunn (WI '56) mcmunnsandy@aol.com
Nila Means May (WI '54) NitaJane@hotmail.com
Ed Prost (WI '74) egpropst@msn.com
Buck Hornor (WI '57) buckhornor@juno.com
Tom Thompson (WI '70) tnt4444@hotmail.com
Andrew Vac (WI '70) andrew@andrewvac.com
Mary and Richard Childers (WI '57) rickandmary79@tds.net
John Swiger (WI '55) apswiger@yahoo.com




THE WI CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
WALL OF FAME

submitted by: Joy Gregorie deFazio

I believe, the original thought of the Centennial Committee was to show others that success stories came/come out of Washington Irving, just like they do in schools everywhere. . . The schools are our foundation to success.

You are encouraged to submit names of students, teachers, coaches, etc., from Washington Irving (living or those who have passed on) who have made a difference in the lives of others.

To name persons to the Wall of Fame, contact Barbara Lasko Weaver, Class of 1973. Her e-mail is BLW18@aol.com; her telephone number is 304- 622-2001. Nominations should include a photo and the reason the person/persons should be recognized. Photos and nominations can also be sent to:

Wall of Fame
WI Centennial
PO Box 4411
Clarksburg, WV 26301

This is not a contest and no one will be eliminated.

If you know of someone who you would like to see honored on the WI Wall of Fame. Act now and send in your nomination information.

Thank you



MAYBE YOU REMEMBER THIS TALENTED MOTHER

submitted by: Barbara June Younkin Park (Would have been WI '62)
bparkbsma@aol.com



Attached is a photo of my mother, Sara Younkin, at the console of the Hammond organ in the dining room of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Clarksburg in 1953. My mother played popular music at lunch and dinner and took requests. Of course, the SJ was "the" place to stay in Clarksburg at the time, and so mom got to meet many nice people, including celebrities. The photo shows her with Little Miss Sunbeam, a child actress, who traveled to promote Sunbeam bread. Dad brought us down to the hotel at dinner that night, and my sister Elaine and I got to meet her. This photo was a publicity shot to show that a celebrity had visited Clarksburg, but also it promoted the hotel and the fact that the SJ had live music.

My talented mother was well-known for not only entertaining with popular music at the SJ, but also, she was the organist at First Methodist Church at Pike and 2nd Streets. Growing up, whenever my sister and I had to give our names in Clarksburg, people would always say, "Oh, so you are Sara Younkin's daughters!" My mother acquired a huge amount of sheet music over 60 years, and my favorites while visiting her at the SJ for lunch on a Saturday were Eartha Kit's "Santa Baby," Unchained Melody, and Song from the Moulin Rouge (Where is your heart?).

Besides the two primary organ jobs, she also played for funerals at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home. Many people were sad when we moved to Maryland in 1956.

Mom continued her career as an organist after we moved to Maryland, where she played at the large Methodist Church in town, and then when she and my dad moved to Charleston, SC, mom played for a fine dining restaurant and was organist/choirmaster at Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church. She also played for wedding receptions at various venues in downtown Charleston. She did not retire from Old St. Andrews until she was 85, in 2003! She is 96 now, and still able to wow people with her playing when at Atlanta, where she lives with my youngest sister, Jeanette.

I am also attaching a photo of my parents, Jack and Sara Younkin and my sister Elaine and me at Christmas, possible 1952. I am the one with the braids.





YEARBOOKS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE WI HISTORY

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

After the March newsletter in which I listed all the yearbooks that Tim Cork needs to complete the WI History for the Newsletter, we had a wonderful response from people who were willing to loan their yearbooks to Tim.

I sent him 3 yearbooks, it was so simple to do. I took the yearbooks to the post office with me and bought a Priority Mail Box for about $12.95 (I think I remember correctly). I placed the yearbooks inside, they gave me a label and I printed Tim's address on it and my return address. I handed them the box and the label. They taped the box shut and put the label on it for me. Couldn't have been easier. . He copied what he needed, and returned them to me already.

Tim still needs some yearbooks so if you, your child or grandchild graduated from WI they might have a year book that will help Tim complete this project. We don't want any year to be left out.

If you can loan Tim a yearbook or a few, contact him at tpcork@bellsouth.net

Right now here is the situation:

Yearbooks needed: 35 total

14 in bold have been promised, but I have not received them yet???

1919, 1925, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1947, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995.

Connie Coffindaffer Ferrell promised some 1930 yearbooks, but has to find them and doesn't know the years.

Brooks Gainer promised 1933, 1961 and 1963

Cheryl Miller Barry Class 64 - 1936, 1937, 1938, 1972, 1973 and 1974

Bob Summerville promised 1966

Thomas Beatty promised 1976, 1978 and 1979.



RE: WI HISTORY

The past segments of the Newsletter and the WI History may be found by going to the main page found at wihs59.tripod.com Then click on the ARCHIVE button.

This is where you will always find the past newsletters and all of the past WI History segments which will continually be updated as Tim Cork receives new information. The WI History segments is an on going project.

Save this address someplace where you will always remember. Then just type wihs59 into your search space, then click on your ENTER key on your keyboard.

Any questions contact jkimler@frontier.com.



LETTERS OF APPRECIATION
To Tim Cork:

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)

Tim, it was great talking with you yesterday. I am now aware how much time you have put into the yearbook contributions in the WI Newsletter. It is amazing how much info you have copied and entered in the newsletter. I say it again and you will probably hear a dozen times more, but I really appreciate what you have done. I will also speak for those whom have not acknowledge the appreciation. Again, thanks a million. Tell Judy I said hello.



submitted by: Wayne Winters (WI '66)

Occasionally the miles between Clarksburg and Sacramento, CA seem to diminish. Last Sunday my wife was filling in for the usual person who helps out a lady with some age related issues here in Sacramento and I was invited to meet my wife's new charge.

She is a graduate of WI in the class of 1951. One of her sisters also lives in Sacramento. By some luck of the Irish, Tim Cork's segment of WI history for March highlighted their era. Sue Brannon was one of the 1951 Princesses, Ann in 1952 and Nancy in 1955.

Thanks for the WI Newsletter which you began and maintain with such dedication.



WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY?
GENERATIONS AT WASHINGTON IRVING

submitted by: Roleta(WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com

Did your parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles or other members of your family attend Washington Irving High School? Tell us !!!!! We want to hear your story and all about how WI was your family's school.

Here is a story from Dave McMunn about his families connection with WI. Write and share yours....Roleta1@aol.com

My story is that I was in the WI class of ’57. My wife Sandy was Sandra Conwell and a member of the class of ’56. We discovered each other in 1956 at WI and have been together since. My mother and father, Eleanor Coleman and Charles A. McMunn, Jr., were in the WI class of ’26 (see attached photos from the yearbook), and were high school sweethearts. Sandy’s parents, Hugh and Dorothy Conwell were high school sweethearts at Bridgeport High School. My mother’s Coleman siblings were either Clarksburg High (before WI) or WI grads and the children of some of them were WI grads. My father’s brother, Austin McMunn, was a WI grad as were his two children, Holly and Jerry. Sandy and I have four children, Missy, Andy, Tim and Amy, all WI graduates My sister Ann McMunn Watson was in the WI class of ’53 and her two children, Dee and Eric, are WI grads. Sandy’s sister Sharon Conwell Ayscue was cheerleader in the WI class of ’62 and her two children are RCB grads. Sharon is currently the head librarian at RCB. And we have a grandson who is a graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School.









Segment Five on "The History of Washington Irving High School"

Two very special girls graduated in 1959. Who are they and what made them so special to all of us?


Plus many good memories from the 1960's Memoirs yearbooks.



Click below to reminisce over some of the best of times.





PK ADDITION

I found this picture in a publication that Fred Layman gave me. I thought this picture was from a different angle than the others we had published.





CARLISLE SCHOOL CHOIR

submitted by: Mary Ann Baily Donato (WI '56)
mimadonato@yahoo.com

As for the choir picture. It was taken at Carlisle Elem around 1945 or 46 . The teacher was Mrs Nance and she taught 5th grade.

However I know we weren't in the 5th because Bob Weaver is in the picture and he moved away before we were in 5th grade.

I want to thank Don Sager for scanning the pictures for me because I don't know how to do it.

Here are the names I know, please help me fill in the blanks:



Top row: Carol Martin, Sandra Waugh, Bob Weaver, Paula Milstead, Frances Neal, Drema Cutright, Jean Myers, Carol Coston.
Row 3: Pam Kidney, unknown, Martha Blair Norris, unknown, unknown, Billy W., unknown.
Row 2: unknown, Alma Jean Quinaut, other 4 unknown.
First row: First four unknown, Put Sinsel, Mary Ann Baily, Nancy Milstead



To Bill:

You mention in this month's WI newsletter of the Cleveland RAMS football team. Were they not called the Cleveland BROWNS, with Rex Baumgardner, Frank Garski, Dante Lavalle,etc..? What team did QB Otto Graham play for?

John Cooper, WI 1951

Reply To John:

We did mention the Cleveland Rams, when we were discussing the first team to have their team logo on their helmets. The Rams were the forerunner of the LA Rams and later the St. Louis Rams. They were established in 1936 in Cleveland, OH and played in the American Football League. In 1937, they moved to the NFL. They were named the Rams, because their general manager was a big fan of the Fordham Rams college team and adopted that name for the franchise.

The NFL Cleveland Rams played in Ohio from 1937 thru 1945, missing the 1943 season due to a lack of quality players. Many of the better players were serving in the armed forces during WW II. In 1945, the Rams won the NFL championship game, beating the Washington Redskins, 15--14. Their star was QB Bob Waterfield, while Washington was led by QB Sammy Baugh.

In 1946, the franchise moved to Los Angeles and played in the LA Coliseum.

Otto Graham played for the Cleveland Browns, who replaced the Rams in Cleveland, from 1946 to 1955. After graduating from Northwestern, Graham played in the NBA in 1945 for the Rochester Royals, who won the league championship that year. He then went to play for Paul Brown in Cleveland. Thanks for the letter. In researching this, I learned about Otto Graham playing basketball in the NBA, something that very few people know, including me, that is, until now.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

Here is my remedy for WVU sports: (and of course at other U's also)

1. Fire the AD (Good Luck!)

2. Fire the Basketball and Football coaches

3. Quit the Big 12

4. Join an eastern league where we can compete without breaking the bank.

5. Enjoy a football stadium and basketball arena (already built) where the students sit on a sideline from the 20 to the 20, for a small athletic fee.

6. Eliminate TV timeouts. If someone wants to televise games, our rules rule.

7. All football games shall be played on Saturday. Begin all home football games at 1:30pm Saturday (eastern time).

8 The president of the university shall be the highest paid person employed by the U (including ALL incentives). No athletic coaching contracts longer than one year.

9. All student athletes will be held to the same standards as the general student population.

10. All scholarship athletes will live in general student dorms.

11. WVU is an academic institution. It is not a training ground for professional athletes. If professional teams want to sponsor an athlete, then they shall be responsible for all of the athlete's expenses, plus a nominal amount paid to the University (determined by me, and NOT uniform). The athlete has to maintain a passing GPA, comparable to the general student population,

12 This is an open document. I (me) can add to it as lawyers (nothing personal) get involved. Yours truly,

George Cinci (Dictator for a Decade), W I 1960

(We didn't know how good we had it! Gene Corum looks good to me now.)

Reply To George:

Although all of this sounds like "Fantasyland" and will probably never happen, I tend to agree with much of what you've said. It is and has been my contention for some time that big-time college athletics is completely out of control.

Coaches salaries are ridiculous. Athletic budgets at many schools are either approaching or have exceeded $100 million per year. Players are demanding, in court, that they should be paid a "decent" wage and want to form a union. TV networks rule the major sports, dictating when, where and how games should be played. (WVU played a basketball game last year at midnight, eastern time.) The term scholar athlete is a joke. Players use a year or two or three of college ball to train for the pros, where average players earn more than brain surgeons.

The only solution to the problem is to eliminate athletic scholarships entirely. Then schools could play locally and the playing field would be leveled for all schools, big and small. Why would WVU play an away game at Texas, when they could play Fairmont State, 19-miles down the road. This would also eliminate the NCAA, which earns untold millions from national championship tournaments and playoffs, often with no direct oversight. As Bob Huggins once asked, "Where does all of that money go?" Nobody has answered him yet.

Could all of this happen. Sure, but don't hold your breath waiting. Meanwhile, enjoy your favorite teams as much as you can and remember, if you want to know why something happened, either in real life or sports, always follow the money. If you do that, you will find most of the answers, most of the time.

Great letter. Thanks for sending it to us.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

An especially interesting edition to me, Bill. Thanks for the mention. Donna is quite a writer. I'm reading her latest novel on "Water Warriors" now.

Really enjoyed seeing the picture of the North View junior high team of 1938. Those guys look big.

You hit it right early on about this WVU basketball team. 16 wins it appears it will be, though I give them a chance to beat Kansas, if Brandon Watkins gets more playing time and Staten drives the ball at the 7-footer Embiid, who has a bad back. At least that is the strategy I would use. Get Embiid in foul trouble or out of there and we can win. Not likely but possible.

From the look of the cars, I'd say the snow picture on Fourth Street was from 1950 snow. Bill Arnett would know!

I played on North View teams Stanley coached in 1952-53-54. When we got way ahead, he'd put me in. Actually started one game. He taught geography, too. Those pictures sure bring back the memories.

Thanks.

Norm Julian, Victory HS 1957

Reply To Norm:

Nice to hear from you. Your thoughts on the Kansas game were right on. WVU won it, but instead of having to drive the ball at Joel Embiid, we got a break when he was out with an injury. The Jayhawks are not the same team without him. So, the win total went to 17 and they finished at 17--16. Not exactly what we had hoped, but perhaps about all this team was capable of doing, without a lot of extra effort, which really wasn't there.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR

Frederick Douglass once said, "Without a struggle, there can be no progress". Well, the WVU basketball team has certainly had to struggle the last two years. In fact, they have struggled so much, that, based on Mr. Douglass' statement, next year's team should "progress" to the Final Four.

The final record of 17--16 proves that this edition of the Mountaineers were about "average", winning and losing about the same number of games. Some games they looked like chumps and other games they looked like the class of the NCAA. To say that they lacked consistency would be an understatement.

Not even the so-called experts, like the sportswriters, could tell us why this was the case, but I like to look back to all of the great teams of the past, coached by Bob Huggins. What they all had in common was great defensive effort and great rebounding. This team had neither. Most of the time there was little effort on defense and their rebounding reminded me of the old saying, "They had stone hands".

That leads us back to what real fans always say-----"Wait 'til next year". What will happen next year? Well, all of the present team could return, if they stay eligible and Staten stays for his senior year. They will all be one year older and have one more year of experience. Two new recruits, both guards, are waiting to join the team. Then, of course, we have Elijah Macon and Jonathan Holton, both of whom sat out this season due to scholastic problems. If they are both as good as advertised, things can only get better.

BULLETIN: I just learned that Eron Harris has decided to transfer. That means all bets are off. By my count, that totals 13 signed players since 2010, who have either left the program or for some reason never played at WVU. How can Huggins or anyone else build a program with these kind of numbers? Answer: They can't. Maybe Huggs can find a good JUCO or otherwise eligible player to replace Harris, his No. 2 scorer. If not, we could be talking about another long year.

Do you have any comments on this or any other sports item? Send your thoughts to:

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



THE BASEBALL PICTURE IN THE MARCH NEWSLETTER

submitted by: Mary Ann Hite Williams (WI '52) Carlyle Grade School
mahwms@cox.net


Folks, in the baseball picture, the coach in the dark jacket was my father, Clay B. Hite. We are Diamondback fans now and wish we had baseball in my era at WI. Best regards to you all and God bless all who contribute to this wonderful effort



THE TRACK PICTURE FROM THE MARCH NEWSLETTER

submitted by: Chuck Wilson (WI '67)
cwilson@aviall.com



Hi Roleta,

Names in the track picture.
Front row, Palmer, S. London, L. Hovey, P Bowie, J. Combs, T Warblack, G. Merriel, F. Alaveto, B. Thornly.
2nd row, S. Williams, M. Wiseman, C. Wilson, M. Lambiotte, L. Alvaro, P. Wycoff, A. Moore.

Then some of the Freshman &SOPH,T.STEWART, K. MERCHANT,Jj. OLIVETO,B. HENDERSON
Don't have time to name them all, P. Bowie was the leading Sr Scorer, might have been Larry Hovey, Chuck Wilson was the leading Jr scorer, believe, Kevin Merchant lead the Soph's in scoring.
Really enjoy the blast from the past
Thx




submitted by: Wayne Winters (WI '66)

Left Clarksburg WI in '64.
I live in Sacramento, CA

I think the first row #66 left most position one is Scott Palmer and the 4th from the left in the front row is Pete Bowie ...



submitted by: Debbie Sayre Stoikowitz (WI '66)
dstoik@verizon.net

Hi Roleta,
I realize you don't get paid for doing the newsletter but want you to know that all your efforts in putting it together and making it so great are really appreciated. Every month I look for it in my e-mail and can't wait to read it! I wish there were a way to pay you back for bringing a smile to my face every time I see a picture of Clarksburg, WI, Classmates and reminders of home and where I have some of my best memories. Thank you so much for all that you do to make the newsletter happen every month!

Greg's Picture of the 1966 Track team.

I was so surprised that I knew so many young guys in this picture but I should since these were my classmates.

Row 1
3rd from left is Larry Hovey
4th from left is Pete Bowey

Row 2
4th from left is Mike Lambiotte
5th from left is Larry Alvaro

Row 4
3rd from left is Joe Oliveto
5th from left is Kevin Merchant
6th from left is George Maxwell

Row 5
1st on left is Bob Ross
2nd from left is Reed Waters
last on the right is Bud Henderson

I recognize more put could not think of their names. Probably could look them up in my year book but didn't want to cheat. This was fun!!!

Thanks again Roleta!



BOY SCOUT TROOP 7 BASKETBALL TEAM----- 1942/1943
EPISCOPAL CHURCH, S. 6 TH STREET

submitted by: Hank Kiesel (WI '47)


BACK ROW----RALPH MORRIS, DEREK DENTZER, HANK KIESEL, MR. FRANCIS SHAFFER
MIDDLE ROW----JACK DUFOUR, TOM SECKMAN, DON HOYLMAN, CHARLES DEEM
FRONT ROW----ANDY RODGERS, JOHN TIMBERLAKE, BOB SHUTTLEWORTH

NOTE: RALPH, DEREK, TOM, DON, CHARLES AND HANK ARE 1947 WIHS GRADUATES

Reply To Hank:

We love to receive old pictures and will publish them as soon as we get them. These guys look like they could compete with today's teams. Thanks for sending.

Does anyone remember any of the members of this team. Write and tell us about your memories.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



ALL STAR BABE RUTH BASEBALL TEAM 1954

submitted by: Elizabeth Teter Akin (WI '56)



Back row, l to r: Bob Teter, John Ali (coach), Danny Wisemiller (sp?).
Front: Anthony Julian , Jimmy Allison



WI CENTENNIAL UPDATE
IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION

The WI Centennial Celebration will be held Saturday, August 23, in Clarksburg. The day-long celebration includes:

1. Free tours of the Washington Irving building on Lee Ave from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. No reservation for this is required.

2. The 14th Annual Picnic at the V. A. Park from 11:30 am to 2:30 PM: NO reservation for this is required. The picnic is in the Osborn Shelter at the Veterans Memorial Park which is adjacent to the Louis Johnson Veterans Hospital. Signs at the park entrance will give directions.

Food for the picnic is “covered dish.” Attendees asked to bring food items to be shared with others. Persons attending from out of town can pick up various foodstuffs from local delis and grocery stores. Table service, sodas, ice, meatball and Italian bread will be furnished. All those attending are asked to sign in at the entrance to the pavilion and make a donation in the jar to help cover costs. Door prizes will be given.

3. From approximately 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. a catered banquet will be served in the commons area of Robert C. Byrd High School . Single, $15.00; couples, $25.00

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS ARE A MUST. Reservations for the banquet must be postmarked by August 1, 2014.

The reservation form can be found at http://www.hackerscreek.com/upload/files/reservation.pdf Please print it, complete it, and mail with payment to:

WI Celebration
PO Box 4411
Clarksburg, WV 26301

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE WRITE TO: wihilltopper@gmail.com or joy41941@frontier.com Your email or comments will be handled in a timely manner.

4. Free tours of Robert C. Byrd High School . The doors will be opened at approximately 6:00 PM. NO reservations required.

5: Free Program of Recognition in the RC Byrd High School Theater NO reservations required. Program to begin after the banquet has been finished. The theme of the program will be: “WI Will Shine Tonight". There will be a Wall of Fame and recognition of those who are nominated for this honor. See article elsewhere in the newsletter telling you how you can nominate someone to the Hall of Fame. The program will be celebrating not only the building of Washington Irving High School, but also the achievements of graduates, teachers, athletic teams, etc. Also, if you are a WI Graduate and are a serviceman, a veteran or know of someone who was a veteran, the committee would like to know so these people can be honored.

To name persons to the Wall of Fame, contact Barbara Lasko Weaver, Class of 1973. Her e-mail is BLW18@aol.com; her telephone number is 304-622-2001. Nominations should include a photo and the reason the person/persons should be recognized.

Photos and nominations can also be sent to:

Wall of Fame
WI Centennial
PO Box 4411
Clarksburg, WV 26301

6: Those who cannot come for dinner for whatever reason, are invited and encouraged to come for the events in the theater at R.C. Byrd H.S. (The theater seats 650.) We hope that all students who attended WI High School or WI Middle School will attend this presentation.
In addition to the WI Newsletter carrying monthly updates, there are also updates on Face book www.facebook.com/WIBirthday and www.wicentennial.com

MOTELS:

Special reduced prices have been offered by some of the area motels. Deadlines for motel prices have been set by the motels. The earliest deadline set was July 1, 2014.

HAMPTON INN BRIDGEPORT-CLARKSBURG
1515 Johnson Avenue
Bridgeport, WV 26300
PH: (304) 842-9300
Discounted rate:
Continental breakfast
2 queen beds - $90 + tax
King - $100 + tax

MICROTEL BRIDGEPORT
201 Conference Center Way
Bridgeport, WV 26300
PH: (304) 808-2000
Continental breakfast
Queen - $89 + tax
King - $99 + tax

HOLIDAY INN
20 Sweetbriar Lane
(Off Jerry Dove Drive)
Bridgeport, WV 26300
PH: (304) 979-9022
Full hot breakfast
King or 2 queens - $100 + tax

WINGATE INN
350 Conference Center Way
(Off Jerry Dove Drive)
Bridgeport, WV 26300
PH: (304) 808-1000
Full hot breakfast
King or 2 queens - $109 + tax

BEST WESTERN
100 Lodgeville Rd.
(Located on the top of Bridgeport Hill)
Bridgeport, WV 26300
PH: (304) 842-5411

There are a number of other motels in this area; however, these are the ones who returned our calls.



THIRD ARMORED DIVISION
FORT KNOX, KY

HONORING OUR TROOPS

submitted by: Charles Ferrell WI '946)

Here are a couple of pictures taken 63 years ago of Charles Ferrell (WI 1946). It was freezing weather.




EDITOR'S NOTE: Did you serve in the military? Do you have a picture of yourself in your uniform? Please send your picture to us, tell us in which branch of the military you served. Approximate year and a little about where you served, etc. Have an interesting story you can share? If you can't scan your picture and send it to me. Contact Judy Kimler about mailing the picture to her. She will copy it and mail it back to you. jkimler@frontier.com

Email your story and picture that you scan to me at Roleta1@aol.com

Thank you for participating in this salute to the military.



submitted by: David Bates (WI '51)

Dear Roleta and Judy - Thanks for all the OUTSTANDING work you do on our behalf!!! Gonna cover several subjects.

WI t-shirts... Except for some hospital stays where the color yellow signaled something to the attending staff (I don't know what) I have worn a Hilltoppers t-shirt to bed every night since (how long???) you sent them to me. I've had to have them locally reprinted.

The Bates family history intertwines with W I. My mother graduated in the first class that went four years to W I.

My father taught chemistry from 1921 until he had to retire, because of WWI injuries, in 1937. He continued to be major player in commencement planning until 1964 when my sister, Carol, was graduated. My brother, John, in 1943, me in 1951, and, Dick, in 1952. My twin, Nancy, badly crippled by cerebral palsy never was able to go to school and thus had no friends of high school age until she was "adopted" by the B Square girls for about an hour three afternoons a week in our home for about two (???) years. It made a huge difference!

MY HIGH SCHOOL

Every brick tugs at my heart strings,
That old high school of mine.
Memories flow through my being.
The current is really divine!

Washington Irving High School,
Perched up high on "the hill".
Shines learning, pride and honor.
It has, and it always will.

Gold and blue are our colors,
Hilltoppers, our nickname.
Clay B, McConkey and Cubbon
Led us to undying fame.

Gudekunst, Bailey and Frederick,
Albright, Duckworth and all
Taught, guided and molded
Their students to step up to the call.

The call to service and duty,
To improve the lot of mankind.
W I sent us on to our futures,
Prepared for whatever we find.

David B. Bates
©Copyright 2014




submitted by: Jack Bowen
jackrbowen@gmail.com

Stumbled across the W.I. Newsletter while Googling The Chords and Prodigals. Very interesting, and I remember the old times and particularly the Chords and Prodigals, well. Gerard Folio and I played together for several years in the late 50’s and early 60's. The names, and the names of the clubs, are still fond, and sometimes appalling memories. Clarksburg was a magical place in the late 50s and early 60s. Remember that W.Va. was a dry state with paper bags with Four Roses and Royal Crown pop in them: So folks did not get drunk—they got damn drunk. No $4.00 cocktails on sale.

Nonetheless, some of my memory survives. Joe Williams, Sammy Jo Marra, Curley Harris, Tough Teddy McCoy, Little Rickets (Giddy Up Ding-Dong), and old Alex Davies, and Gregory Gales, Eddie Gales (piano player and father of the Gales clan). I used to sit in with the Chords and played all the bottle clubs in Clarksburg and surrounding areas with an astounding array of cohorts and co-conspirators, many of them mentioned in your newsletter.

Aside to Charlie David: Lets get together and hunt down Gerard. We’ll take him out and make pubic spectacles of ourselves……..Jack Bowen, who married Rita Drummond, who used to dance with Steve Limbers.



VERY CLEVER LIBRARIAN
JEAN YOUNG

submitted by: Marcia Young Fletcher (WI '64)
myfletcher@gmail.com

My mother, Jean Young, was the assistant librarian at WI for 4 years, from the fall of 1964 through the spring of 1968. When she started there was a serious problem of pennypitching. The librarian's policy had been to try to guess who threw the penny and ban that person from the library for 2 weeks. Mother followed that failed policy for a couple months but, out of frustration, instituted a policy of keeping all the students after school unless the offending student was identified. This was a burden on her - and the students hated it - but the penny-pitching stopped!



MARY RICHARD JACKSON (RW 1949)

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

Bill Jackson (WI 1943) wrote telling us that his lovely wife Mary is ill with Alzheimer's. Bill has been caring for her at home. She can no longer walk. I am sure he would love to hear from his friends.

Write to him at bjmj60@gmail.com

This picture is the Thespian's class of 1949 of Roosevelt Wilson High School and Mary Richards is the 2nd one up from the lower left hand corner.





HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

What was the name of the principal of your high school? Do you have any memories of him that you can share? Were you ever disciplined by the principal? Why and what was the discipline? Seems like kids of today get by with a lot of things that kids back in Clarksburg didn't get away with. Can you name something that kids back then were disciplined for but aren't today? I'll give you a sample....Girls didn't wear jeans or slacks to school. But they do today. When there was a rule against girls wearing slacks to school, I don't think any tried to do it. But if they had, what would the principal have done?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.



MEMORIES

submitted by: Diana Haskell(WI '60)

Hilltopper hats off to Tim Cork for his amazing history of WIHS! The next edition will have my class of 1960.

Below I have listed a few memories of my own.

Clayce Kishbaugh gave me my first volunteer job as an assistant librarian. She was a true inspiration. Now that I have retired after thirty years in computer science, I am a full-time volunteer for the League of Women Voters, serving as a national coach for membership and leadership development as well as a member of the LWVUS Lobby Corps.

My mother often told me that my grandfather prepared handwritten diplomas for WIHS and all the other high schools in the area. During this time of year, the family was essentially silenced! I am fortunate enough to have one of his alphabet samplers dated 1899.

EDITOR'S NOTE: My father also hand wrote diplomas and certificates. He had beautiful handwriting...and he fancied it up a bit. Wasn't the type of hand writing we learned called Zaner Blosser? I can remember my parent's often had to take writing classes and other college classes to get hours to renew their teaching certificates.



YEAR BOOKS FROM 1916
THANKS TO
STEWART McREYNOLDS

submitted by: Dave McMunn(WI '57)


Tim Cork and I have been in contact due to the request for missing old WI yearbooks. I have six old yearbooks which belonged to Stewart McReynolds, a close family friend and the lawyer with whom I began my legal practice. Stewart was a member of the WI class of 1919. Above is a picture taken in 1940. I am sitting on his lap. Stewart was a devoted WI grad and kept a series of WI yearbooks beginning with 1916, several of which I was able to send to Tim Cork to use in the WI History.

All credit/recognition for the preservation and availability of those yearbooks belongs to Stewart McReynolds and who remained very connected to his WI roots throughout his life. Stewart was born in 1901 in the home of his parents on the corner of Mulberry Avenue and Sycamore Street where he lived out his entire life. He was the last of his immediate family. My wife Sandy’s sister, Sharon Conwell Ayscue, the RCB librarian, currently owns and lives in the old McReynolds home. My mother, Eleanor Coleman McMunn, (born in 1908) was seven years younger than Stewart and grew up across Mulberry Avenue from the McReynolds home.

Picture is of my mother and her dog Danny in front of the Coleman home (taken circa 1915).





GROUP IN FRONT OF HAGAN'S ICE CREAM PARLOR

submitted by: Mary Ann Baily Donato (WI '56)


L to r…Bernice Long, Patty Snider, Mary Ann Baily, Patty Tennant, Don Sager, Toni Davis, Rosemary Carlson and Diane Howard. All Class of WI ’56 except Rosemary.

Back in 1955 or 1956. We all seemed to have lots of slumber parties. We had all been to Sandi Staley's for a birthday party . Our good friend, Don Sager just happened to walk by and he joined us for a photo shot. Just want to let you all know that he wasn't included in our slumber party . After all it was the 50's and not 2014. I really think we were all so lucky to have been able to have such fun activities in our high school years minus the guns that seem to be so prevalent in today's society.

My thanks to Don Sager for scanning this picture and sending it to the newsletter. Also, Roleta many thanks again for arranging yet another great picnic. The weather was great and it was wonderful to see Clarksburg friends again.



THE APRIL 2014 MYSTERY PICTURE


submitted by: Robert “Bob” Law (WI '63)
law132239@bellsouth.net

The mystery picture for April looks like an early photo of Roberts Hardware Co., 213 West Pike Street.... Familiar because my Grandfather (O. Thomas Law) and Father (Robert L. Law) owned and operated the store through the ‘60’s. My mother (Leanna R. Law) then owned the store until it was destroyed by fire.



submitted by: Jackie Evans Cotter (WI '53)
ackieammaw@yahoo.com

Dear Roleta, it seems to me there was a hardware store on Pike St. between Bland's Drug Store and the Gore Hotel. I don't remember the name. And I could be way off base...It's that memory thing, you know. I see the little metal pedal car in front & toys in the window but they used to sell things like that too. Anyway that is my thought.

Thanks again for all the hard work all of you put into this news letter. I love it!!



submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
floyds4@cox.net

That’s Robert’s Hardware. I worked there in winter of 56-57 as delivery truck driver. They didn’t know it, but although I had my license, I actually really learned to drive in their truck since I’d had very little experience before taking that job.



submitted by: Rebecca Allen Ausmus (WI '70)
Rebecca.Ausmus@camc.org

The mystery picture is Robert's Hardware located on Pike Street between the Robinson Grand and the Ritz Theater. I recognized it the minute I saw those old wooden sleds with the RED metal on them. My father bought me a brand new sled from there when I was in elementary school and I was always remember looking at the pretty wood sleds in the window and one day he surprised me with one.

I loved that sled and it sure got good use for many years. Wish I still had it . I could make a Christmas decoration with it and sit it outside or by my fireplace.. I have seen those done with the old sleds with those metal runners and I then wished I had mine still. Have NO idea what happened to it. I probably wore it out as back in the late 50’s and 60’s we had a lot of snow and we went sled riding all the time . Thank you so much.

WOW! I finally did it! Thank you



submitted by: John Petitto (ND '64)

Owner was Robert Law. His nickname in all advertising was 'Hardware Hank'. Lived on Rosemont Ave in Broad Oaks. Had a son Bobby Law & daughter whose name I forget. Both went to WIHS. When I was still living & working (1972 - 1980) in Clarksburg, the store was close to my office & I shopped there regularly. I remember I bought a Lawn Boy lawn mower there. The mower cost $120.00 - expensive for a mower at that time They still had 'Charge Accounts' at that time. I would stop by weekly & make a payment. Can't beat the old time hardware stores versus the 'Big Box Stores'. To this day, I support small, local hardware stores here in NC as much as I can.



submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)
mysto99@aol.com

The Mystery picture looks like Robert's Hardware on Pike Street.



THE MAY 2014 MYSTERY PICTURE


Can you identify the above picture? Please take a guess, I only print the correct ones. If you want to play our game, write your guess to Roleta1@aol.com.



OBITUARIES

NOTE: if you have an obituary that you want published in the newsletter, please send it. It is my policy to not hunt for obits as they are in so many different papers and I just don't have time to do the research.



ROBERT D. REED

Robert D. “Bob” Reed, 76, of Hepzibah, WV, and formerly of Bridgeport, WV, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at United Hospital Center following a brief illness.

Bob was born Sept. 6, 1937, in Orlando, WV, a son of the late Kenneth and Mazel Henline Reed.

Bob married the love of his life, Florence M. Robilliard Reed. They were married for 47 blissful years.

Bob graduated from Victory High School in Clarksburg in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1964 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Bob earned a BS in mathematics from Fairmont State College. He also attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Bob and Florence moved to Leesburg, VA, in 1968, where they both worked for AT&T. They returned to Bridgeport in 1973, and Bob became co-owner and manager of Ken Auto Sales in Clarksburg until 1991. He began working for the U.S. government in Bridgeport in 1997 until his retirement in 2013.

Bob enjoyed many hobbies, including photography, reading, discussing politics, collecting model cars and traveling in his motor home, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Family gatherings were always lively and memorable with Bob, and he used his photography skills to capture every moment. He also liked attending regular meetings with members of his graduating class from Victory High. He was an avid WVU Mountaineers fan and a dirt track racing enthusiast. He attended All Saints Catholic Church.

Prior to his stroke, Bob spent many weekends at local dirt racing tracks, including I-79 Speedway, Elkins Raceway and Tyler County Speedway. He served as official scorer for many races. He was also a writer and photographer, and published weekly dirt track racing articles in several auto racing newspapers. He was founder of the WV Automotive Dismantlers and Recyclers Association (WVADRA) in 1984 and was an active member until 1991. He was also previously a member of the Clarksburg Sports Car Club and the Northern Virginia Sports Car Club.

In addition to his beloved wife, Florence, Bob is survived by two daughters, Roberta “Bobbi Jo” and husband Mark Gray of Lost Creek and Melissa and husband Clint McCabe of Morgantown; two sisters, Patty and husband Nick Lambernedis of Clarksburg and Chyrl Hitt of Clarksburg; one brother, Lloye Reed and wife Mary Ann of Clarksburg; one brother-in-law, William Ashcraft and wife Peggy of Clarksburg; three grandchildren, Brandon and Lindsey Gray and Daphne McCabe; devoted caregiver, Kelly Bryant of Hepzibah; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Sue Ashcraft.



LUCILLE B. LOPEZ FRAGALE

Lucille B. Lopez Fragale, 83, of Clarksburg, passed away March 23, 2014, following a brief illness.

She was born in Clarksburg on July 4, 1930, a daughter of the late Frank and Rose Marie Tiano Lopez.

She is survived by her husband, William Joseph “Bill” Fragale Also surviving are two sisters, Mary Gary and Josephine Ferrari, one brother, Frank “Buddy” Lopez, all of North View; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Teresa Barile, Virginia Marra and Adeline Lopez.

Lucille was a member of St. James Catholic Church, a 1948 graduate of Victory High School and a member of the Sons of Italy, where she had held several offices. She retired as Personnel Manager from Sears Roebuck Company after 43 years of service.



RICHARD LEE "GEORGE" COLEMAN



OWINGS, Md. — Richard Lee “George” Coleman, age 70, of North Beach, MD, passed away March 20, 2014, at Washington Hospital Center.

He was born July 4, 1943, in Charleston, WV, to Chester Richard and Lillian H. (Kalsberg) Coleman.

He was raised and received his education in West Virginia. He joined the United States Navy on June 27, 1961, and served until being discharged July 2, 1964. George moved to Forestville and went to work for Western Electric which later became Lucent Technology and retired in 1999 with 35 years of service. He moved to Chesapeake Beach, MD in 1969 and North Beach in 2013.

George became a Charter Boat Captain in 1974 and was a member of the Maryland Charter Boat Association operating out of the Rod and Reel Marina.

In his leisure time, George enjoyed reading and watching Washington Redskins football, Washington Senators Baseball and Washington Nationals Baseball and most recently NASCAR.

Surviving are his sons, Christopher P. Coleman and his wife Karla, and Andrew L. Coleman of Bristol, TN; a grandson, Andrew J. Coleman, Jr. and a sister, Mary Coleman of Pittsburgh, PA



JAMES DAVID VANDEVENDER



James David Vandevender, 68 (WI '63) of Huntington, WV, passed away surround by his family on Thursday, March 13, 2014 in St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington, WV. He was born June 6, 1945 in Parkersburg, WV the son of the late, Iral Vaughn and Thema Irene Dotson Vandevender.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Ruth Vandevender Marple (WI '58) and one brother, Phillip Vandevender (WI '59).

He was retired Chemist and Metallurgist from INCO Alloys and enjoyed cooking, gardening, photography and loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Irene Lewis Vandevender of Huntington, WV; two daughters, Gemma Scarberry of Huntington, WV and Karlie Carter (Todd) of Edmond, Okla; two step-children, Lynn Jeffords (Scott) of Davidson, NC. and John W. Alderman III. of Charleston, WV; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.





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