Stephanie Kishbaugh Vandetta, married since 2012 to Frankie Vandetta, 4^th  in a line of 5 Frank Vandettas, has survived her coronavirus quarantine.

Stephanie, a paramedic with the Marion County Rescue Squad, studied emergency medical services at Fairmont State and once worked at WVU Hospitals. After Mansfield University in Pennsylvania she found her way from Hazelton, Pennsylvania to Frankie #4’s heart.

Frankie #4 is a North Marion graduate and member of the Monongah Volunteer Fire Department.

Stephanie explains it so well, with the sound advice of a first responder, that even though I was a newspaper editor for 43 years including 26 years at the Akron Beacon Journal I am NOT changing a word of it. It’s perfect!

Stephanie can be my reporter if I ever un-retire from newspapers.

Read and learn from Stephanie:

 “Today I am so thankful because I am a COVID-19 survivor! Fighting this virus for 22 days and being isolated from my family was one of the hardest things I have had to go through.

“This virus is relentless! It is not like the flu, it is so much worse.

“My symptoms started on April 3^rd and came on all of a sudden with a fever, headache, cough, eye pressure, diarrhea and extreme body aches.

“I was tested on the 5^th and received my results on the 6^th . After that I became congested, nasal and throat burning, lost my sense of taste and smell, fatigue and periods of shortness of breath.

“My fever continued for 15 days even with Tylenol. This virus makes you think you are getting better one day and then hits you harder the next.

“I am not sure how I got it. I was not around anyone who had tested positive or had symptoms.

“I did the right things, wore my mask, washed my hands, wore gloves when I cleaned, stayed out of grocery stores or any stores for that matter. I was very careful in everything I did.

“This virus does not discriminate. It does not matter if you are young or old, healthy or sick, safe or unsafe!

“Through this experience I am so grateful for my family and friends! Without them I could not have gotten through this! I had a great support system and am so blessed for that!

“Some advice to pass on:

“Have a plan in place with your loved ones if you or anyone in your family gets this virus.  “My husband and I did and I believe this protected him and my kids.

“Trust your doctors! They know what they are talking about! And they are a great support system!

“Reach out and offer your support. Even if it’s a text message asking how they are doing it will brighten their day. This is a lonely virus.

“Listen to what the health officials are saying!! This is nothing like the flu!! I am so thankful I do not have any underlining health problems because this definitely could have been a lot worse!

“Love your family and friends!! Don’t take a minute for granted! Thank God for everyday!

“There are so many people to thank and not enough word to say how much I appreciate and love you all for the calls, texts, advice, Zoom calls, cards, gift cards and FaceTime calls. ❤️ 
After reading this article, Frank #4 explained why Stephanie is so good with words:

“Stephanie actually started her journalism degree (at WVU) but never finished. Just wanted to share that with ya when you talked about how her article is perfect.”

Now, about the FIVE generations of Frank Vandettas:

The first Frank Vandetta was born in the early 1900s.

The second was Frank Junior Vandetta,  born in 1928.

The third is Frank Vandetta III,  born in 1955 and a Monongah High graduate married to Brenda Sturm Vandetta. 

The fourth is Frank Anthony Vandetta IV, born in 1990, Stephanie’s husband.

The fifth is Frank Charles Vandetta V, born in 2015, Stephanie and Frank #4’s son.  

Jennifer Altmiller is Stephanie’s sister and lives in Drums, Pennsylvania.

Frank #4's cousin is former Monongah mayor Greg Vandetta, Class of 1975, married to Monongahfest president Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973.

Greg is the owner of Vandetta Construction. Their son, Greg Vandetta II, and Janelle Vandetta were wed amid a snowstorm.

I went to Monongah High with Carl Vandetta, Class of 1948, who married married Martha Robinson from Worthington, and passed his house many times on my way to my Uncle Frank Loss and Aunt Gezala Futten Loss’ home in Mill Fall.

Gezala left Italy for America, stepping off onto Ellis Island in 1920 with her mother, Maria Fedrigon Futten, and my mother, Lena Futten Olesky, and their brother, long-time late Fairmont barber Si Futten.

Their father waiting for them in America was Severino Futten, who was on the same kindness, quality human being level as the remarkable Ann DeMary Eates and the recently departed Joe Eates, godparents of my son, John Larry. Ann and Joe’s home is at the end of Bridge Street in Monongah, before you start up the hill on Bridge Street Extension.

Lucille Amalett Thompson Wainio passes away

Lucille M. Amalett Thompson Wainio, sister of the late Nellie Amalett, Class of 1946, passed away Saturday, April 18.

Lucille Amalett Thompson Wainio

Lucille was born in Everson to Larry Amalett and Phyllis Manuel Amatlett. Phyllis was a sister of the mother of Frank Franze, in my Class of 1950, who lives in Slidell, Louisiana.

Frank also added, after my inquiry, about the Everson family that gave the community its name:

“There was a farmer who lived in Coons run just past the left turn at Manley Chapel Church. His name was Hershal Everson. He and his wife owned a farm there.

“I don't know if they children or not. I don't recall meeting any children. My father and uncles were very good friends with Hershal.”

“There was another Everson, Harry. He was the speed demon of Marion County. The sheriff was always chasing him.

“Once I witnessed a chase where a roadblock was set just past where the turnoff to the Everson golf course is now. There the road turns to the left and goes downhill.

“We were following behind. Harry saw the roadblock, climbed the bank and came down behind the police cars, which were pointed at him, and left the country. We were stopped about 30 minutes while they sorted the cars.

“He was related to the Melton family. Nellie Melton was an Everson. Old Miss Everson lived to be near plus or minus 100 years old.”

That’s quite a history lesson, Frank. Thanks.
 
Barbara Melton Earl, Class of 1978, who lives in Wadestown today but grew up in Everson, added:

·         “Nellie Melton was my grandmother. Our family was great friends with the Amaletts. I babysat for Teresa and Nellie Amalett would stay with my family every New Year’s Eve. I have great memories of the whole family."

Lucille's obituary:

Lucille M. Amalett Thompson Wainio

April 07, 1930 - April 18, 2020

Lucille M. Amalett Thompson Wainio, 90, of Fairmont, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020. She was born in Everson, WV on April 7, 1930, a daughter of the late Larry Amalett and Phyllis Manuel Amalett.

Lucille retired from Phillips/Westinghouse after 42 years of service. She and her husband were members of a band called the Melody Makers who played at churches, fairs, and nursing homes. She played piano and was a choir director. She loved to entertain, cook, and shop for others. She was a wonderful grandma.

Lucille was married to James L. Thompson and had two daughters, Patricia Ann Carriero and her husband Robert of Florida and Debera Kay Stottlemire and her husband Ronald of Fairmont; she was married to Albert William Wainio for 40 years and is survived by three step-daughters, Nancy Palen and her husband William of PA, Joyce Nelson of Florida, and Alice Parsons and her husband Darren of CA. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and great grandchildren; and her brother, Joseph A. Amelett of AZ.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert William Wainio; and her siblings, Nellie Amalett, Mary Ann Amalett, Teresa Savage, and identical twin sister, Kathryn Saunders.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Thursday, April 23, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, April 24, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Sabrina Haught officiating. Interment will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Enterprise. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .

Mary Meffe Siko passes away

Mary Meffe Siko passed away Friday, April 17 in Stow, Ohio, which borders on Tallmadge, where I live.

Mary Meffe Siko

She was among 13 children of John Meffe, who had Meffe Tavern on Jackson Street, and Susie DePlacito Meffe.

Mary’s brother, John Meffe, who lives in Warren, Ohio as Mary did from 1955 to 2004, and I played together as children. One day little Johnny came at me with a handful of hot red pepper flecks. I hit his hand, the red pepper flew into Johnny’s eyes. He cried like a wounded peacock and I (also a little Johnny) became the bad kid with his parents and my parents.

Mary’s only other surviving sister is Margaret Meffe Pellegrin, Class of 1953, who lives in Sun City Center, Florida.

Best I can tell there are two Meffe families, maybe one with Farmington connections.

Mary’s siblings: brothers John Meffe and the late Michael, Tony, Joseph, Franklin and Daniel Meffe; sisters Margaret and the late Angeline, Betty, Pearl and twins Mary and Philomena. They are the children of John Meffe and Susie DePlacito Meffe.

The children of Mateo and Santamcia Ciamarra Meffe are Angelo “Butch” Meffe, Class of 1936; Leanna Meffe of Monongah; his late brothers, Pasquale, Orlando and Anthony Meffe; and his three late sisters, Edith Meffe Gibbles, Anna Meffe and Agnes Mary Meffe. 

Margaret Meffe Pellegrin, Class of 1953, is Butch’s daughter. I don't know if Agnes Mary Meffe and Mary Meffe Siko are the same person or two different people.

I hope I got this right. If not, Facebook me or email me at jo4wvu@neo.rr.com with the corrections and I’ll fix them in this article.

Mary Meffe Siko’s obituary:

STOW -- Mary L. Siko, 83, died April 17, 2020. She was born December 14, 1936 in Monongah, WV to John and Susie DePlacito Meffe.

A resident of Stow since 2004, Mary had lived in Warren since 1955 and had been employed for nine years with Packard Electric as a line worker. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Warren.

A homemaker, Mary enjoyed cooking, decorating, entertaining, playing cards, and spending time with her family, friends, and beloved dogs.

Preceded in death by brothers, Michael, Tony, Joseph, Franklin and Daniel Meffe; sisters, Angeline, Betty, Pearl, and twins Mary and Philomena; she is survived by her husband, Michael Siko, whom she married on July 9, 1960; sons, Michael Siko and Jeffrey Siko of Stow; daughter, Nikki Siko of Stow; brother, John Meffe of Warren, Ohio and sister, Margaret Pellegrin, of Sun City Center, Florida.

A memorial mass will be held at a later date. Should friends desire, donations may be made to East Ohio Alzheimer’s Association - 70 W. Streetsboro Street, #201 Hudson, Ohio 44236. (REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631)

After 100 years, no hospital in Mingo County

Williamson Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in Mingo County near the Tug River that separates West Virginia from Kentucky, closed its doors permanently Tuesday, April 21 more than 100 years after it was built.

My late wife, Monia Elizabeth Turkette Olesky, was born in that hospital, which filed bankruptcy last year.

I met “my Mona Lisa” in Williamson when she was living in the Cinderella coal camp with her parents. 
 
Hospitals also closed in Bluefield and Richwood.

Fairmont Regional Medical Center will close by June but at least West Virginia University Medicine will build a 100-bed replacement two miles away in a year to 18 months.

WVU Medicine has 11 hospitals in the state.

The Fairmont hospital is on the hill adjacent to Fairmont State University. I helped pay for my tuition at Fairmont State by giving blood at Fairmont General, as it was called then. 
 

At least 170 rural hospitals in America shut down since 2005.

Paul Stanley Deahl, Class of 1969, whose 69^th birthday was Monday, April 20, is recovering from the coronavirus.

Paul’s wife, Billie Deahl, posted:

“Happy 69th Birthday to my wonderful husband 🎈🎈🎈Wishing you nothing but God's blessings forever. Because He did what He did! !! You are still here!

“COVID-19 tried to take you out and because you are end-stage COPD the E.R. doctor gave you no hope! But God did. COVID-19 has effected so many lives . . .Thank you Jesus for your healing powers.

“Happy Birthday Paul Stanley Deahl❤❤“

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease that obstructs air flow from the lungs.

Paul had spinal fusion surgery in 2018. He fractured back vertebraes playing football for Monongah High. Quick thinking by teammate Ron Manzo, who immobilized Paul’s neck, probably prevented even worse damage.

Paul is one tough dude. He also survived being struck by an automobile.

Paul was fullback on the 1968 Monongah High state championship football team with quarterback Nick “Brother” Saban, Alabama’s famous football coach with five national titles (1 at LSU; 4 at Alabama); halfback the late Terry Marbury, the state track 100-yard dash champ that nobody could catch on a football field; and the late Tom Hulderman, Brother’s favorite receiver.  

They might as well have called that 1968 team “Carolina.” That’s where Deahl, Hulderman and Brother lived within a block of each other. Marbury was 2 or 3 blocks away.

The 1968 and 1969 Monongah state champions nucleus came from the Idamay Black Diamonds, a Pop Warner children’s football team that was coached by Nick Saban, Sr. and included Brother, Kerry and Tom, who went to East Monongah Junior High before moving on to Monongah High. Charlie Miller also starred on those teams.

Side note: If you want to watch impressive video clips of the 1968 Monongah High state titlists in action click on the blue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkgFrDm8CwA

Paul married Billie Deahl in 2004. They live in Greenville, South Carolina, home of East Carolina University which WVU has played in football over the years.

Billie graduated from Parker High School in Greenville.

After Greenville Technical College, Billie became department manager at Fresh Market in Mauldin, South Carolina.

Paul grew up in Carolina as a son of the late Loretta Adeline Deahl and Horace Raymond Deahl. Paul’s brother, Anthony Deahl, Class of 1960, is deceased.

After playing on the 1968 Monongah High state championship team, Paul played football at Fairmont State.

Paul’s siblings include Kenneth Deahl, who lives in DC; Juanita; and the late Ray Deahl.

Other Lions hit by the coronavirus include Mike Levelle, Class of 1970, and his wife, Linda Mills Levelle, Class of 1972.

Mike’s cousins are John Patrick Levelle and Rich (Robert B.?) Levelle, both Class of 1971.

Other Levelles at Monongah High:

Mary Regina Levelle Humphrey, Class of 1973.

Thomas Alan Levelle, Class of 1975.

Nancy Levelle Lee, Class of 1979.

Sue moving 35 miles & out of New Jersey



Sue Ahouse Schrader

Sue Ahouse Schrader, Class of 1971, and Larry Konzelman closed on their new homes in Upper Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania. They will be moving from Piscataway, New Jersey, where they have lived for years.



Sister Mary “Kitty” Morrison, Class of 1968, posted: 

“Congratulations to Sue and Larry on the closing today of their new home in Upper Mount Bethel Pa.

“Finally leaving NJ.”
 

That’s 343 miles from sister Mary “Kitty” Morrison in Monongah.

 

Only 35 miles closer to Monongah than the 378 miles from Piscataway, New Jersy.

Sue also owns a home in Stoney Lonesome in Monongah.

Sue and Kitty’s brother is Mike Ahouse, a 1985 North Marion graduate who lives in Monongah.

Joe Eates, 94, passed away Friday, April 17. His widow is Ann DeMary Eates. Both are Class of 1945.

No matter how hard God tried he couldn’t make a better couple than Joe and Ann. Joe was an angel before he left this earth. So is Ann.

In 2010 Joe and Ann were named Monongahfest Citizens of the Year.

One of their good works is being part of the Monongah Heroine Committee which, with a major financial boost from the government of Italy for the $75,000 project, put up a statue honoring the wives of the 362 miners killed in the 1907 mines explosions in Monongah.

Joe served his country in the Army as a Tech Sergeant.

Joe was a Fairmont Supply Company retiree who was in the United Mine Workers Band in Monongah and mowed fairways and greens at Fairmont Field Club, where I caddied for 10 years to help pay my way through West Virginia University School of Journalism.

His favorite place to visit with Ann was Hawaii.   

Ann and Joe, whose home is at the bottom of Bridge Street hill, are the godparents of John Larry Olesky of Tallmadge, Ohio, the only son of John Olesky, Jr., Class of 1950, who also lives in Tallmadge.

Joe's brother, Tony Eates, Class of 1950, lives in Fairmont with wife Lucy Cann Eates. Other siblings, all deceased, are Nick Eates, Class of 1935; Dominick Eates, Class of 1946, a former Monongah High football punter who married the late Mary Larry Eates from Carolina; Mike Eates; Mary Eates; and Angeline Eates.

Mike, who passed away in 2008, was married to the late Clarksburg Washington Irving High graduate Jeannie Eates.

Nick Eates, who passed away in 1999, repeatedly complemented my parents on their garden in our Church Street home in Monongah when he went for a walk on the sidewalk along U.S. 19/Camden Avenue.

Mary passed away in 1997.  

Dominic passed away in 2000. Dominic and Mary’s son, Larry Dan Eates, Class of 1970, married Frances Victor Eates, a 1971 Farmington High grad.

Angeline passed away in 2005.

When Joe once was asked what adjectives he wanted to describe him he replied: “Trustworthy, sincere, friendly.”

Everyone who ever met Joe, including me, can tell you that is a PERFECT way to describe Joe. St. Peter never had a better occupant in Heaven.

Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont is handling Joe’s arrangements. Because of the coronavirus pandemic there will be a private burial for family only on Saturday, April 25.

Joe’s obituary:

Joseph F. Eates, 94, of Monongah, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020 at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV. He was born March 4, 1926 in Monongah, a son of the late Dan and Gaetana Eates.

He is survived by the love of his life of 70 years, Ann DeMary Eates. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Anthony and his wife Lucy Eates of Fairmont; his dear nieces and nephews, James A. DeMary of PA, Joan M. Aresteh of TX, Antoinette Eates and David Habenstreit of MD, Monica and Mike Kelly of PA, Michele and Keith Lewis of ID, Anthony Eates and Jenifer Hadley of S. Charleston, WV, Patti and JT Hodges of Morgantown, WV, Danny and Frances Eates of PA, David and Chris Ezzi of Fairmont, WV, Susan Maple of Fairmont, WV, and several great nieces and nephews that he loved very much. He was also survived by very special cousins, Patti and Brian Evans, Betty Ann DeMary, Michael David and Beth DeMary, Robert DeMary, Michael and Kathy DeMary, Ruth DeMary, and Mary Jane DeMary.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Nicholas Eates, Angeline Eates, Mary Eates, Dominick Eates and Michael Eates.

He was a lifelong member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Monongah, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and former president of the Holy Name Society. He was a 4^th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, former president for 50 years of St. Barbara’s Nursing Home Board of Directors, former president of Local 507 American Federation of Musicians, Fairmont, and a former member of Ray Vingle, Joe LaRosa and Jimmy Morgan orchestras. He was also a former manager and member of the UMWA District 31 Band. Joe and Ann were recipients of the 2010 Monongah Citizens of the Year at the Monongahfest.

He was employed as a sales manager of the plumbing department of Fairmont Supply Company. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army in Germany. Joe was known for his infectious smile and his kind and generous spirit.

The family would like to give thanks to his special friends, Julia Pride, Linda Bonfantino, Father Vincent Joseph, Deacon Lou and Barbara Belldina, Denise and Mike Roncone, Joe Welty family, Sharon Core and Deacon David and Martha Lester. Also, a very special thanks to the staff on the 7^th floor of United Hospital Center for all their loving care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church 687 Maple Terrace, Monongah, WV 26554 or St. Barbara’s Memorial Nursing Home 134 St. Barbara’s Road, Monongah, WV 26554.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation, but private services and committal will be held for the immediate family on Saturday, April 25. At a later date, a memorial Mass will be held. Pallbearers will be Roger Huffman, John Boy Palmer, Bob DeMary, Michael A. DeMary, Michael D. DeMary, Jerome Evans, Mark DeMary and Mike Roncone. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .

Edith Scarcella passes away

Edith Scarcella, one of 13 children of Theresa Candalese Scarella and Patsy Scarcella, passed away Monday, April 13.

Sylvia Scarcella Gillespie of Fairmont is the only sibling left.

Edith’s brother, Albert “Chooch” Scarcella, who moved to Warren, Ohio and was quite a card sharp in his teen years, passed away in 2018. His wife, Helen Sargent of Buckhannon, predeceased Chooch.

Their sister, Mary Scarcella Donofrio, was predeceased by her husband, Adriano Leo Donofrio.

Sophia Scarcella Mierner of Pittsburgh was still alive when Mary passed away, according to Mary’s obituary, but no longer is listed as a survivor.

They were all Monongah High graduates who grew up in Chieftain, which was in the Monongah School District, but I lost my poker money to Chooch when he lived on Camden Avenue in Monongah.

Edith’s obituary:

Edith Scarcella, 98, formerly of Monongah, died Monday, April 13, 2020 at the Tygart Center in Fairmont. Edith was born April 1, 1922 in Fairmont, daughter of the late Pasquale Scarcella and Teresa Candalese Scarcella.

Edith is survived by her sister, Sylvia Gillispie of Fairmont, and a nephew, William Strahin of Maryland.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Monongah at 11:30 a.m. with Father Vincent Joseph officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .

No MHS Alumni Reunion in May

The 2020 Monongah High Alumni Reunion, the longest continuous high school reunion in West Virginia, has been canceled or postponed.

Monongah High Alumni Association president Linda Lopez Gandy, Class of 1955, married to Jim Gandy, Class of 1964, made the announcement. The event had been scheduled for May 23 in Fairmont.

Linda’s Facebook post on the Monongah High Alumni Facebook page:

“The officers and board members of the Monongah High School Alumni Association have decided to cancel the alumni banquet for this year, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

“We want to keep everyone safe. I have talked to the lady at the Knights of Columbus and we are set for next May 22, 2021.

“Here’s another option: we have we can have the alumni banquet on a Friday night, before Labor Day. Which will be September 4, 2020. I would like to know what you think. Please be free to message me or put it on Facebook. Just leave a comment.

“And please share this. We will still give the scholarships this May as we always do. Any questions, fill free to ask.

“Thanks.”

Monongah High Alumni Association treasurer Donna Davis said that the May reservation checks will be held and honored for the Labor Day weekend reunion, if it is held.

It would be a shame if MHS Reunion streak, which Greta Martin Mike began in 1922, ends. I’ve have many good memories at the various reunions.

 

Marion County latest ‘hot spot’ in coronavirus war

Gov. Jim Justice added Marion County to the coronavirus “hot spots” in West Virginia. That means Marion County has at least 30 confirmed cases of the virus.

Previous “hot spots” designations were applied to the Eastern Panhandle counties plus Harrison, Kanawha and Monongalia counties. Which means there’s a solid trail of cases in the connecting counties of Monongalia (Morgantown), Marion (Fairmont) and Harrison (Clarksburg).

There are 462 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 4 deaths in West Virginia . . . so far.

Continue the hibernating and stay alive.

Click on

https://www.wboy.com/news/health/coronavirus/wv-gov-justice-sets-wednesday-covid-19-briefing-for-100-p-m/

to read the article.