Thanks to a tip from Jim  McDaniel, Class of 1960, who lives in Behobothbeach, Delaware, I received belated word of the passing of Carolyn Sue Williams Davis, Class of 1960.

She retired after 26 years at Fairmont General Hospital. Carolyn was living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina when she passed away June 23.

Her daughter, Christy Davis Stanley, predeceased her.

Carolyn’s brother, Don Williams, lives in Fairmont.

Carolyn’s obituary:

Carolyn Sue Davis

August 2, 1942 - June 23, 2020

 

Carolyn Sue Davis, of Myrtle Beach, formerly of Worthington. Passed away June 23, 2020. Parents are the late Denzil and June Williams.

 

She is survived by her daughter Robin and husband Roger Dotson of Delaware, son-in-law Michael Stanley of Myrtle Beach, brother Don Williams of Fairmont, sister Patti Blare of Georgia, sister Kathy and husband Rick Cooper of Virginia, grandchildren Rebecca and husband Kurt Rutherford, Aaron Rosebury, Samantha, Cait and Sophia Kelly of West Virginia, Corissa and husband Anthony, daughter Raelynn Gott, Jaime Dotson; several nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles. Her Best Friends Glenna Henderson, Kathy Stutler.

 

She is preceded in death by her daughter Christy Stanley. She retired from Fairmont General Hospital after 26 years. Her wish was cremation.

 

Published on June 26, 2020

North Marion High graduate Erica King, daughter of Monongah High superstar athlete Eddie King, Jr., Class of 1973, and granddaughter of Dunbar High star athlete Eddie King, Sr., passed away Sunday, July 26, 10 days after her birthday.

Erica’s mother was Ruth Beans King.  

Sad Sam Jones, 1959 National League Pitcher of the Year who once lived in Monongah, was married to Mary Beans.

Eddie, Sr. excelled in baseball and basketball.

Eddie, Jr. was an all-state halfback for Monongah High and also starred in basketball and track.

Erica worked at LabCorp of America.

Marion County Rescue Squad Chief of Operations Michael Angelucci, also a North Marion grad, recalled tailgating with Erica at a WVU football game last year and “I see just how many lives she has touched. She never had an enemy.”

Angelucci Trucking was in Marion County for three decades till it was dissolved by Mark and Michael Angelucci in 1986. 

Brother Mark is with the Fairmont Fire Department.

Julia Aileen Sabo Hess, Class of 1976, passed away Saturday, July 25.

Julia’s sister, Jessica Virginia Sabo, Class of 1977, passed away April 27 in Denver, where she had lived since 1986.

Their parents were the late Mary Leona Greynolds Sabo and James Sabo of Worthington.

Their siblings are Jennifer Sabo Yanero, Class of 1971, who lives in Barrackville with husband Rick Yanero; Sarah Sabo Hansen, who lives in Denver with husband Don Hansen; Jim Sabo, who lives in Bridgeport with Kim Sabo; and John Sabo, Class of 1975, who lives in Farmington with wife Debbie Sabo.

Julia’s daughters are Joyce Ann Hess of Worthington and Amy Marie Hess Bell of Fairmont.

Julia grew up on a Worthington farm and worked at St. Barbara’s Nursing Home in Monongah for years.

Julia’s obituary:

Julia Aileen Hess passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at her residence in Worthington at the age of 62.

Julia was born in Fairmont and raised on a ninety-acre farm in Worthington. She graduated from Monongah High School in 1976, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the band. She worked at St. Barbara’s Nursing Home in Monongah for a number of years, trying to spread joy to all the residents within its walls. She also worked for Ruskin until they closed their doors.

Julia was an old country soul through and through, and very much enjoyed the outdoors and the quieter side of life. She loved sitting out on her back porch listening to the birds, watching the squirrels play in the tulip poplar tree, tending to her flowers, and even enjoyed feeding leftover scraps to the crows. She was a fan of Homespun Christmas’; favoring to make her gifts from the heart rather than something store bought. She was the kindest soul anyone could meet; stranger or not, you were instantly her friend. She was always bright, bubbly, smiling, and trying to do her best to be a ray of sunshine in this world.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents: James and Mary Greynolds Sabo; and a sister: Jessica Virginia Sabo.

Survivors include her two daughters, whom she cherished with all her heart, and her favorite son-in-law: Joyce Ann Hess, at home, and Amy Marie Bell and husband Brandon Jennings Bell, Fairmont; 2 sisters: Jennifer (Rick) Yanero, Barrackville, Sarah (Don) Hansen, Westminster, CO; and 2 brothers: James (Kim) Sabo, Bridgeport, and John (Debbie) Sabo, Farmington.

A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Julia also enjoyed watching her “grand dog” Zeke on occasional weekends and loved his companionship. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Marion County Humane Society, 2731 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554. Condolences may be accessed at www.hutsonfuneralhomes.com.

West Virginia Weslayan graduate Doris Carpenter Rogers, Class of 1971, and Beckley College graduate Scott Rogers, Class of 1973, known as Earl at Monongah High, celebrated their 45^th  wedding anniversary. They live in Charleston.

Doris’ parents were Bill Carpenter and Iris Delores Martin Carpenter, Class of 1950, in my graduation class. Bill’s  siblings are Monongah High’s Lonnie Carpenter, James Carpenter and Nancy Carpenter Tharp.

Mandi Rogers Craig, Doris and Scott’s daughter, lives in Fairmont.  Josh Rogers, their son, married Amanda Wray Rogers.

Doris’ siblings are Will Carpenter, Class of 1975 and a Marion County teacher since 1975 who lives in Fairmont; and Amy Carpenter.

Doris and Sue Ahouse Shrader, Class of 1971, have been friends since second grade. Sue and sister Mary Ahouse “Kitty” Morrison, Class of 1968, attended the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee wedding of the wedding of Sue and Scott’s son, Josh, to Amanda.

Doris, Sue and Kitty vacation together often, in Florida or anywhere else they have a mind to. And do half-marathons together.

Doris and Scott frequent Palm Beach, Florida, too.

8^th heart attack for Sanford Carr

Former Monongah Town Councilman Sanford Carr is back in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after his EIGHTH heart attack.

Sanford Carr

His wife, Linda Nobel-Carr, Class of 1967, posted today:

”I hate coming on here giving bad news for Sanford but at 2:15 this morning he had another heart attack, makes his 8^th. We don't know yet what Rudy is going to do. They talked about a cathterization, but he is still in a lot of pain.”

Keeping up with Sanford’s health situation is like reading in the Bible about Job and all the tribulations God casted upon Job.

Linda and Sanford have been married since 1969. They live on Camden Avenue in Monongah.

Their children and spouses are 1989 North Marion grad Tonia Carr Posten & Bill Posten, also a North Marion grad, and Bryan Carr & Amie Carr.

This article began as a tribute obituary for Mary Lou DeNoon Goff of Clarksburg but, thanks to the personal experiences of Juanita Beltran Nickerson, Class of 1978, expanded into an incredible story of two people, the late Rev. Howard Otto DeNoon and Moe Madeline DeNoon, who adopted 6 children, including Mary Lou, had 31 foster children and welcomed adults into their home and lives.

Some of you probably caught snippets of this story over the years because Madeline DeNoon was chosen Fairmont Times-West Virginian Mother of Year TWICE.

Mary Lou passed away Saturday, July 18, six days after her 57^th birthday.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Josh Goff of Morgantown.

 

All the foster children except Mary Lou attended Monongah schools.

Howard and Madeline lived in Fairmont. The Rev. DeNoon donated land and built  Sunrise Chapel on his property in 1976-77. The first service was held on Fathers Day in June 1977. The church became operational in 1981. The Rev. Ralph Carpenter later helped Reverend DeNoon with the church. The Rev. John Snyder is the current pastor.

I’ll let Juanita Beltran Nickerson, Class of 1978, who was one of the foster children, tell you this incredible story of the DeNoons and the children:

“Mary Lou was the youngest of 6 adopted children. I was one of 31 foster children that Howard and Madeline DeNoon fostered.

“I never had thought that there would be a home for me because of being in foster care and I already had been placed in 9 homes by the age of six but this home was different.

“I remember crying when I left the home I had been placed in to come to this home. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to leave; it was because I was afraid of another move.

“When I arrived my mom was mixing up a 25-pound sack of flour and, man, was that exciting to see! My siblings all greeted me and my brother and immediately fear left. I remember feeling from the get-go that I was important and wanted. Just a feeling, I guess.

“I was to be there for 10 days and ended up there until I married at 20. I have so many memories of my life there and of my siblings. We were just a big family and we were happy. That I believe to be the result of two people who loved children and were determined to make a difference in our somewhat unhappy and unsteady beginnings.

“They adopted Danny Howard DeNoon (Class of 1964), (1989 North Marion High graduate)  Larry DeNoon and Sharon DeNoon (Cunningham), Nancy Jarvis DeNoon, Chester DeNoon and Mary Lou DeNoon. There were Hesses, Rands, Beltrans, Crites, others who were there for just shorter periods of time.

“We had a couple of squatters that they let hang out, my Uncle Jack who lived in a little one-room building but ate meals and hung out with us.

“My mom would take care of a lady named Ms. Stout from in-town Monongah for several years until she needed more care so we moved her in with us and had a blast with her. She may have been Belfast but we loved her anyway.

“I have so many stories and memories that I certainly could write a book. We all grew up together and attended the Monongah schools and eventually graduated from them except for Mary Lou, who graduated from North Marion.

“The older boys were paperboys and delivered papers in Monongah.

“My father was a minister who evangelized for years before founding and building what is now Sunrise Chapel just outside of Monongah as you go toward what used to be the drag races down over the hill before the sharp bend and worked Sharon Steel Coke Works from which he eventually retired.

“My mom worked at Westinghouse then later became full-time housewife and mother to many. She and Howard were wonderful people. I think they were the best parents in the world. I am partial of course.

“We had a full rich life and was shown love and acceptance. Sometimes we would squabble and fuss but mom had a way of keeping us busy with activities to keep us out of trouble. My mom even made Mother of the Year in the Fairmont Times-West Virginian and again later in years.

“Some of us came in pairs, threes, fours and even sixes. It didn’t matter. My mother’s motto was ‘I love kids.’

“I asked her one time when she was older and her mind was starting to fade, ‘Mom, what would you do if you had a million dollars and her reply melted my heart. ‘If I had a million dollars I’d probably get me a bunch of kids that need a home and love them.’ Simple as that.

“Her and my dad were jewels and I remember going to church as a young girl with the family and my dad would have me sing. Oh how I loved to sing! He had his favorites and I was all too happy to do them for him. LOL.

“As I got older I would help him when he did weddings and we kind of had our own little-buddy moments. I always wanted and did believe that I was his favorite until I got older and realized that he loved me equal to my siblings.

“They have since passed on but they will forever be imprinted into my heart and my mind. I hope to be half as good to my children as they were. Sorry for such a lengthy story but I am super proud and happy to share good things when given the chance.”

Howard DeNoon was born in 1918 in West Virginia to New Martinsville native Chester Otto DeNoon and Pennsylvania native Mary Esther Sievertson DeNoon.

Howard had 5 siblings, including Norman Eileen DeNoon Schmidt and Paul Jacob  DeNoon

As for Mary Lou, West Liberty University graduate Zick Mauzy, from Fairmont, posted:

“I remember her infectious smile as a child . . . and those dimples!”

Mary Lou’s obituary:

Mary Lou DeNoon Goff, 57, of Clarksburg, WV passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the United Hospital Center.

She was born on July 12, 1963 in Fairmont, WV, a daughter of the late Reverend Howard and Madeline DeNoon.

Mary is survived by her son, Josh Goff of Morgantown; fiancé, Tim Ware of Clarksburg; foster siblings, Jimmy and Beverly Hess, Danny and Pam DeNoon, Nancy and Larry Jarvis, Juanita and Charles Nickerson, Mark and Loretta Hess, Harold Hess, Sharon Nottingham, Bonnie and Richard Spekeyscrki, and Larry and Nancy DeNoon; several nieces and nephews; and her precious doggy Izzy. A special thank you to her sister Pinki Thompson and husband Raymond.

 

Mary attended North Marion High School. She had several jobs as a cook and in housekeeping. She loved attending church and singing hymns to which she knew most all traditional Christian lyrics. She was a kind soul and a spirit of light. She gave love and was loved in return by all who knew her. She will be sadly missed, especially by her fiancé Tim.

Family and close friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort, on Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. There will be a public graveside service at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Fairmont, WV, at 1:00 pm with Reverend Brian Plum presiding.

Marcia Michalski Westfall, Class of 1974, and Dave Westfall, Class of 1972, celebrated their 46^th wedding anniversary. They live in Kilarm.

When Marcia wasn’t teaching in Marion County and Dave wasn’t working for the West Virgina Division of Highways they like to roar around America on their Harley motorcycle. They are Lions with a Harley that roars.

Dave worked at Fresa Construction in Bridgeport for 18 years, EIMCO for 1½ and DOH for 27 years.

Marcia has worked for 31 years in every kindergarten through 8^th grade school in Marion County, including Monongah Elementary.

Both are retired.

Their children and spouses are Brandie and Kiley Haney, Chad and Amy Westfall Raines and David and Nichelle Westfall.

The grandchildren are, via Brandie, Caleb, Kiley and Aiden Haney; via Amy, Ally and Ethan Raines and Brevon Westfall; and by

Dave, Lucy and Forrest Westfall.

Dave’s parents are Gilbert Junior Westfall and the late Lillie Marie Higginbotham Westfall.

Dave and Marcia were named Fairmont Times Family of the Year in 2015. Marcia took an active role in the West Virginia teachers strike was so successful that became the template for teachers’ unions in states across America.

Fairmont State graduate Marcia’s parents are Ramona Fullen Michalski, Class of 1949, and the late Frank Michalski, who started at Monongah High at the same time as Ramona.

Marcia’s siblings are Jay Michalski, Mike Michalski, Carol Michalski Drake, Ramona Marie Michalski and the late Mary Frances Michalski Hulderman Gapen.

Carla Canfield of Mill Fall passes away

Carla Dawn Canfield of Mill Fall passed away Wednesday, July 15.

Carla was a Fairmont Regional Medical Center cook for more than 11 years and worked in various nursing facilities in Marion County.

Carla Dawn Canfield

Her brothers Eugene Canfield and Mark Canfield also live in Mill Fall. The other siblings are Cheryl Canfield Ridenour of Fairmont and Cathy Canfield Haney of Pelion, South Carolina.

Her father’s sister, Catherine Icie Canfield Swidler, also a Mill Fall resident, passed away in 2012. Catherine’s widower is Harold “Sid” Swidler. Another sibling, Gilbert Russell Canfield, also lives in Mill Fall.

Carla’s obituary:

Carla Dawn Canfield, 54, of Mill Fall Road, Fairmont, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.  She was born December 28, 1965 in Fairmont, a daughter of Richard Carl and Mildred Mullenax Canfield of Fairmont.

Carla was employed by Fairmont Regional Medical Center as a cook for over 11 years and had previously worked in various nursing facilities in Marion County. She loved her work family at the hospital and was a believer in Christ.  She also loved her dog “Lucky”. 

In addition to her parents, she is survived by 4 siblings: Eugene (Donna) Canfield of Mill Fall, Cheryl (Brad) Ridenour of Fairmont, Cathy (Steve) Haney of Pelion, SC, and Mark (Debbie) Canfield of Mill Fall; several nieces and nephews, and extended large family.

She was preceded in death by a niece: Cheryl Diana Wolfe Willis, maternal grandparents: Luke and Flora Mullenax; paternal grandparents: Richard and Icie Canfield, and several aunts and uncles.

There will be no public visitation or funeral service.  A private memorial service will be held at a later date. www.hutsonfuneralhomes.com

Holy Spirit Church deacon Louis John Belldina passes away

1966 Fairview High graduate and Holy Spirit Church deacon the Rev. Louis John Belldina of Monongah passed away Thursday, July 16.

Rev. Louis John Belldina

The Cleveland native grew up in Grant Town as a son of James Belldina and Helen Wolfe Belldine.

Lou and his widow, Barbara Belldina, had 4 children, including Jessica Belldina who lives in Clarksburg.

Lou was a deacon for 39 years, including Holy Spirit Church in Monongah.

The Rev. Belldina’s obituary:

The Reverend Mr. Louis John Belldina of Monongah, WV, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at age 72. He was born on March 19, 1948 in Cleveland, OH, and raised in Grant Town, WV, a son of the late James Belldina and Helen Wolfe Belldina.

Lou is survived by his wife, Barbara Belldina; his children, Juda Belldina and wife Sarah of Cincinnati, OH, Jeremy Belldina and his wife Seashal of McMurray, PA, Jennifer Lancaster and her husband John of Barboursville, WV, and Jessica Belldina of Clarksburg, WV; grandchildren, Warie, Uzuri, Bearra, Caius, Ilya, Verena, Elizabeth, Elijah, Micah, Nathan, and Anna; sister, Shirley Smith; brother-in-law, David Bordas; and nieces, Jessica, Carrie, Jill, Tina, and Lisa.

Deacon Lou was lovingly devoted to his wife, family and the Church, serving as Deacon for 39 years. Ordained in 1981, Deacon Lou served as the Director of Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center, served as a Permanent Deacon for St. John Bosco Parish in Huttonsville, St. Brendan Parish in Elkins, and St. Patrick Parish in Coalton, and most recently served at St. Anthony Parish in Fairmont, and Holy Spirit Parish in Monongah.

The family will receive friends at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fairmont on Sunday, July 19^th from 3:00 pm – 8:00 p.m. with Vigil Rites at 7:00 pm celebrated by Fr. Vincent E. Joseph. A Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Monongah on Monday, July 20^th at 11:00 am with Bishop Mark E. Brennan as Celebrant and Fr. Gary P. Naegele as homilist. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Monongah. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com . Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Sanford Carr is home after hospitalization

Former Monongah Town Councilman Sanford Carr is home after his hospitalization at the trauma center in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown following a fall.

Linda-Nobel Carr, Class of 1967, his wife, posted:

·         “They wanted him to go to nursing home, but we said no. He is still taking baby steps with a walker and is in a lot of pain.

·    

·         “With God's help we’re hoping in next few weeks that he gets a little stronger. Thanks for the prayers.”

Linda and Sanford have been married since 1969. They live on Camden Avenue in Monongah.

Their children and spouses are 1989 North Marion grad Tonia Carr Posten & Bill Posten, also a North Marion grad, and Bryan Carr & Amie Carr. They have four grandchildren, Tyler Carr, Teala Carr Jesseman, Patrick Carr and Gabriel Carr. Tyler and Teala are Toni and Bill’s children. Teala is married to David Jesseman.

Tonia and Bill have been married 21 years. Bill is in Mobile maintenance at First Energy and Tonia works in the Monongah Water Office. They live in Monongah.

Charles W. Chuck Riley, Class of 1965, retired to Ravenswood because his wife, Linda Long Riley, had family there.

So that’s where Chuck and Linda, the Grant Town girl he married in 1967, moved last year.

They had been living in Worthington.

They have three children: Rhonda, Mike and Jason Riley.

Chuck worked at Owens Illinois Glass in 1965-68, several coal mines  including 20 years at Martina mine. Then he was employed at Middletown Mall in Fairmont until he finally retired.

Chuck and Linda also have 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 3 stepgrandchildren.

Their son, Jason, is a widower of Jamie Feltz Riley. It was Linda’s Facebook post about her daughter-in-law that tipped me off about Jamie’s passing in 2014 before I wrote a Monongah High Alumni blog tribute article about the sad event for a remarkable Monongah family.

Jamie’s parents are Betty Wilson Feltz and the late, great Monongah High coach Jim Feltz, who guided the 1952 and 1955 football teams to state high school titles.

Jim’s son, Jay Riley, was quarterback of the 1973 Monongah High state championship football team and West Virginia Athlete of the Year in 1973. So the Feltz family had a hand in 3 of the 5 Lions state titles. The others came in 1968 and 1969 when the late Earl Kenner was Monongah High's coach.

The Feltz and Olesky families, living 4 houses from each other, have been friends who helped each other during times of crisis for about 70 years.

There’s another Rhonda Riley who married Larry Wilson.

This Rhonda explains:

“We are not related although his mother was my Sunday School teacher and Chuck has a daughter with the same exact name as mine. I used to get birthday cards in the mail addressed to Rhonda,” Chuck’s daughter.

Living the life of Riley can be anything but a revoltin’ development, a famous and frequent quote used frequently by 1944-51 “Life of Riley” TV series star William Bendix, who played a Brooklyn cab driver.

But it can be confusing to keep the Rileys really straight.

Doris Stanley Urich passes away

Doris Stanley Urich, Class of 1947, passed away Sunday, July 12.

She was the widow of Andrew Urich.

Her siblings Almira Stanley Murphy, Class of 1945; Norman Stanley and Dale Stanley predeceased her.

Doris’ obituary:

Doris L. Urich

February 12, 1929 - July 12, 2020

Doris L. Urich, 91, of Fairmont passed away Sunday night July 12, 2020 at her residence. She was born on February 12, 1929 in Marion County daughter of the late Sherman and Cora Williamson Stanley.

Doris worked at the Fairmont Wall Plaster, Golden Brothers Department Store and then retired from Fairmont Clinic in the business office. Doris was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party and was a Poll worker during elections. She was a member of the Monongah Baptist Church.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews, including her caregivers Sherman & Carol Stanley, Andrew and Chelsea Ashcraft, Sherman and Cristin Stanley, Jr. and Tammy Long. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law Colleen Stanley and Thelma Stanley.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Andrew Urich, one sister Almira Murphy, and two brothers Norman Stanley and Dale Stanley.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for the care given to Doris.

Friends may call at Ross Funeral Home 801 Fairmont Avenue Fairmont on Thursday from 2-8:00 P.M. and on Friday From 11:00 till 1:00 P.M. Funeral services will follow Friday at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Pastor Chad Weaver officiating. Interment will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Enterprise.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we ask that you please follow CDC guidelines a practice social distancing. 

Condolences may be sent to www.rossfh.com

The DeCarlo children and the Olesky children just can’t help crossing paths with each other even if it takes 12, 20 and 88 years to do it.

I got a Facebook post praising me for my Monongah High Alumni blog articles from Antoinette DeCarlo Haught, the daughter of Nick DeCarlo and Lucy DeCarlo.

Nick was the best man at the wedding of my parents John W. Olesky Sr. and Lena Futten Olesky when my dad’s sister, Helen Olesky Kerekes, was the maid of honor.

Nick also was my godfather at my Baptism. Walky McGraw, another of my dad’s 1930s friends, stood up for me at my Confirmation.

Antoinette was named for Nick’s mother, Antoinette Marie Palumbo DeCarlo, who married John DeCarlo.

 

Here is the message I got from Antoinette, who lives in Fairmont:

 

“John you do a wonderful job on articles.  
I enjoy them.

“I wanted to let you know that I’m not in the (Class of 1955) class picture.  I was born in Monongah, went to 1st grade with your sister Jackie (Olesky Straight) to the Catholic school (St. Stanislaus, later Sts. Peter & Paul).

“We moved to Rivesville. I graduated from Rivesville, Class of 1955.

“Mom and Dad moved back to Monongah.
Daddy owned Traction Park, sold lots, build 3
houses, lived up there until he passed in 1997.

“Mom then came to live with us
until she passed in 2000.

“My father was so proud to be your godfather. Every time we would drive by the house that had been your home place (on Church Street) my dad would always tell me about your father, how they were good friends and you were his godson. (Only godchild)

“Daddy was quiet as he got older and liked staying at home. He was a wonderful father and did so much for starting youth baseball Little League. No credit, but that’s another story for another time.

“Have a nice day. God Bless.”

Wait, that’s only part of the story about the children of the bride and groom and best man in that January 1932 wedding.

As Antoinette recalled, she was in first grade with my sister, Jackie Olesky Straight, Class of 1955. Then Nick and Lucy moved to Rivesville with their family.

Meanwhile, Jackie and husband Dave were going to the Catholic church in Grant Town and Antoinette was attending Our Lady of Assumption Church in Rivesville.

Eventually, Jackie and Dave switched to the Rivesville church but Jackie and Antoinette didn’t reunite . . . yet.

Jackie and Dave’s son, Kurt David, passed away at the age of 3 months and 11 days in 1961. The Rivesville priest sent Antoinette, who also had lost a child, to visit Jackie and help Jackie deal with such a terrible loss as another with the same horrible experience.

Antoinette looked at Jackie and said, “Don’t you remember me. We were in kindergarten together.”

Monongah Catholic School, St. Stanislaus first and renamed Sts. Peter and Paul later, didn’t have kindergarten so Jackie said, “It was in first grade.”

Since Jackie and Antoinette have been seeing each other every Saturday night for Mass, at St. Peter’s Church in Fairmont after the Rivesville parish closed and its parishoners transferred to St. Peter’s.

Antoinette was a big help to Jackie, who was dealing with the loss of her infant son and, immediately afterward, two of Jackie’s daughters were hospitalized with the flu for two weeks.

“We went home and had no children there,” Jackie remembers. “It was a nightmare.”

A funeral for your baby and visiting your two daughters in the hospital during the same time span definitely qualifies as a nightmare.

Today Jackie, the widow of Dave, has three daughters: Susan Renee Straight, a pharmacist at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown who arranges for the 4 season tickets in Section 105 at Mountaineer Field every year for Jackie, Renee, me and my guest (a family member, usually); Lea Ann Straight Barnes, married to John Barnes; and Belinda Straight Morris, married to Dave Morris.

John W. Olesky, Sr. and Nick DeCarlo both played baseball for the Monongah miners team after they were married, so Nick working with children in baseball was a natural.

By the way, I spent 40 years working with children in baseball in West Virginia and Ohio, so godfather and godson had a similar penchant.

Speaking of marriage:

When Nick DeCarlo and my father went to a carnival in Fairmont in the early 1930s they saw two young girls who immigrated to America from Italy in 1920 when they were 9 and 10 years old along with their Mom and brother, long-time barber Si Futten. Their father had come to America a few years earlier.

Nick looked at my aunt, Gezala Futten Loss, and said, “I’ll pick that one.” So my dad picked the other sister, my mother, Lena Futten Olesky.

Lena and Johnny married in January 1932 and I was born 9 months and 5 days later on November 5, 1932. I was a Pittsburgh hotel honeymoon conception. One year my dad pointed at the hotel and said, “This is where you were started.”

Nick became my godfather at my Baptism. Walky McGraw stood for me at my Confirmation.

I didn’t see either Nick or Walky for the last 75 years of my life. I’m 87, and will be 88 on November 5.

Nick’s siblings were Tom DeCarlo, who also played baseball as an adult and married Edith Fazio DeCarlo; Virginia DeCarlo Stanley of Sykesville, Maryland; Joseph DeCarlo; Michael DeCarlo; Fred DeCarlo; Felix DeCarlo; James V. DeCarlo, Sr.; Ann DeCarlo Martin; Margaret DeCarlo Hubble; Rose DeCarlo Chase; Mary DeCarlo Adducchio; and Elizabeth DeCarlo.

This godfather story is far, far better for me than “The Godfather” movie series. And it doesn’t involve a severed horsehead on a bed.