HELEN KAZNOSKI DEBALSKI AND ED DEBALSKI PASS AWAY

 

Helen Kaznoski Debalski, the “Nutroll Lady” and widow of Walter Debalski, Jr., Class of 1945, passed away Tuesday, March 23 in Franklin, Tennessee.

Walter’s brother, a Marine war hero in Korea, Ed Debalski, Class of 1948, passed away February 7 in Sandyville, West Virginia. Terrible year already for the Debalski family.

Walter’s father, Walter Debalski, Sr., regularly walked on the sidewalk next to Camden Avenue (U.S. 19) and past the Olesky home on Church Street and stopped and chatted with my parents. Walter, Sr. was married to Anna Koloskie Debalski.

Helen lived with her daughter, Beverly Debalski Craig, Class of 1971, in Franklin. Bev married Joe Craig, Class of 1971. They fell in love at Monongah High. They live in a 13-room, 5-bedroom house in Franklin. Bev is a medical professional. Joe has an upscale white-collar job. If you want to offer Bev your condolences her phone is (615) 771-6007.

Another brother, Raymond Debalski, lives on Shenasky Drive in Monongah with wife Bonnie. I got that information in a note from Virgie Mae Anderson Harris, who started with the Class of 1971 with Beverly and Joe but she quit school and married Robert A. Harris and later got her GED high school diploma. Virgie Mae lived on Little Mill Fall Road. She was reared by her maternal grandmother and her father on the Vincent farm.

There’s a Raymond Debalski, Class of 1961, listed as a Monongah High graduate. Raymond or his son Raymond?

The most famous resident on Shenasky Drive is Amelia Shenasky Zentz, 101-year-old daughter of long-ago Shenasky Grocery owners Pete and Nell Shenasky and widow of Bruce Zentz. 

Helen’s obituary:

Helen “Boots” Debalski, 91, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021. She was born in Barrackville, WV on October 29, 1929, a daughter of the late Frank and Eugenia Kaznoski. She lived for many years in Monongah, WV before moving to Franklin, TN in 2010, where her daughter resides.

Helen was retired from Westinghouse/Philips. She was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Monongah. Many family and friends will remember her crochet talents and great cooking, especially her “nut rolls.”

Helen is survived by her daughter, Beverly Craig and her husband Joe of Franklin, TN; a son, David Debalski and his wife Mary of Rivesville, WV; grandchildren, Jessica Craig, Jennifer Craig Blackwell and her husband Andy, both of Franklin, TN, Shawn Debalski, and Andrew “Drew” Debalski of Rivesville, WV; and three great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Debalski, Jr.; and a sister, Martha Jean Shipco.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements, which are incomplete at this time, are under the care of Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Monongah. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .

Ed Debalski’s obituary:

Edward E. Debalski, 90, of Sandyville, WV, died on February 7, 2021, following a brief illness. He was born on May 28, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, son of Walter Debalski and Anna Koloskie Debalski.

Ed retired from Ravenswood Aluminum on June 30, 1992, with 27 years of service. Upon retirement, Ed and his wife Winnie traveled extensively for nine years, traveling to England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Figi Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, several cruises and many trips inside the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Ed was a decorated Marine Corps veteran of the First Marine Division, 5th Regiment Fox Company in the Korean War. Among his decorations are two Purple Hearts, six Battle Stars, and two Presidential Unit Citations.

Ed was a longtime member of the Green Hills Country Club in Ravenswood, WV, where he was an avid golfer.

His first wife, Patsy Lee Ford, died in 1968. His second wife Winnie, died on December 15, 2020. Also deceased are two brothers, Robert of Painesville, OH, and Walter, Jr. of Monongah, WV.

He is survived by one brother, Raymond of Monongah, WV; his four children, daughter, Lou Ann Rothwell of Lancaster, CA; sons, Thomas Debalski of Cathedral City, CA, Stephen Debalski of Bogart, GA, and Michael Debalski of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jessica Debalski, Austin Debalski, Dustin Rothwell, and Peirce Rothwell; and two great grandchildren, Noland Debalski and Alathea Debalski.

A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood with Pastor Don Maxson officiating. Burial will follow in Ravenswood Cemetery with full graveside military rites provided by Cpl. Walter L. Mann Detachment 1065 Marine Corps League.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at roush94@yahoo.com  or on our Facebook page.

THANK-YOU NOTE FROM JANET BAILEY'S FAIRMONT FRIEND

 

Well, I still don’t know who the late Janet Bailey’s long-ago friend in her 60s is but at least I know the person lives in Fairmont. Above is the latest mystery missive about Janet.

When Janet passed away February 7 the anonymous author told about working for the State with Janet 30 years ago and what a friendly, loving person Janet was then. And, as others pointed out after the original article, remained that way till she passed away at the age of 54. Much too young, obviously.

The girl from Hog Lick Hollow continues to touch so many lives, even from Heaven.

Even though Janet didn’t attend Monongah High her father, John Bailey, is buried on Tower Hill in Monongah, she was on Susan Staron Sanders’ Monongah Christmas Lights Committee and her family was in the Marion County Rescue Squad along with other good folks from Monongah. Janet would visit her dad’s grave often, too.

I can hear Janet now, walking up to St. Peter and saying, “Hey, Babe!” I would love to be there to see the reaction on pious Pete’s face!

MATT JACKSON, CLASS OF 1964, PASSES AWAY

 

Matt Jackson, Class of 1964, passed away Wednesday, March 17.

He had been hospitalized with COVID-19.

Matt was on the 1963 Monongah High football team that lost only to Bridgeport and Philip Barbour and tied Farmington 6-6 for a 7-2-1 record. Matt was a starter on defense as a tackle and wore #76.

Barbour High and the county where it is, Barbour County, were named for Philip Pendleton Barbour, who was a former Congress Speaker and Supreme Court Justice, the only person in history to do both. William and Mary College graduate Barbour was born in Gordonsville, Virginia into a Scottish family, moved to Kentucky where he made his fortune, then returned to Virginia and William and Mary. He was in Congress from 1814 till 1830. President Andrew Jackson appointed Barbour to the Supreme Court where he served from 1835 till his death in 1841. He owned 54 slaves.  

Matt grew up in Carolina during his Monongah High days. His teen years were spent running around with his 8th Street neighbors Leslie Black, Jr., Class of 1965, who lives in Fairmont and retired from Novella aluminum company in Fairmont after working there 37 years, and Leslie's brother, the late Ed Black, who passed away in 2012. 

Leslie also was friends with another Lion, Michael Irons of Detroit, also deceased. 

Matt's brothers were Roy, another Monongah High football player who later played for Fairmont State, and Jackie, who transferred from Monongah High to Fairmont West in his senior year.

Other siblings are Arthur, Julius, Gifford, Cleveland, Bernice, Diane, Helen and Mary.

Roy, Julius and Arthur predeceased Matt.

My thanks to Jay Holman, Class of 1971, and Leslie Black, Jr. for providing me nearly all of this information. If you want to contact Leslie his phone number is (681) 443-1257. Jay's number is (919) 724-9522. 

Dunn Family Funeral Home in Oswego, Illinois handled Matthews Jackson's arrangements.

Matt’s obituary:

Matthews Jackson, Sr., age 75, of Yorkville, IL died Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born October 10, 1946 in Mobile, AL.

He served his country honorably prior to retirement from the US Army, where he had attained the rank of 1st Sgt. He was employed as a CT Technician. He is survived by his wife Katrina A nee Hartman Jackson, a daughter Maureen Jackson, stepdaughter Tiffany Balchunas, three sons Matthews Jackson, Jr, Matthew D Foster, Damian Birch, several grandchildren, four sisters Helen, Beneetha Cora, Mari, a brother Jackie Jackson, also several nieces and nephews.

 Graveside service with military honor will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL

Arrangements are entrusted to DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com

A LOVE LETTER TO JANET BAILEY

 

Sometimes rainbows fall out of dark clouds and fall into your lap and are more valuable than a truckload of gold bars.

This is such a time. And the angel we are talking about is Janet Bailey, who passed away February 7 after spreading joy and good cheer everywhere she went.

I got this letter you see in the photo montage. It was postmarked from Pittsburgh. But no return address or name. But I am sure it’s legitimate.

This is Janet Bailey’s legacy. May all be worthy of such praise.

Janet had plenty of company in lighting up Monongah. We was in Susan Staron Sanders’ Christmas Lights Committee.

First, here is a message that Janet sent to me while she still was among us:

My name is Janet Bailey, I grew up in Hog Lick Hollow and was reared around Monongah and the surrounding area.

My family was in the Marion County Rescue Squad and the Boothsville fire department and we knew and still know a lot of people of Monongah from all the years with them.

We used to have a church in Norway and a lot of members were from Monongah so we grew up hanging around Monongah visiting and walking around town. I still till this day have friends there. It’s a great little town.

My first job as a hairdresser was working for Sharon Core in old town Monongah at Reflection Perfection.

Monongah also holds a special place in my heart. My family on my dad’s side (John Bailey; Janet’s mother, Judy Morrison, survived her) is buried on Tower Hill so I go to visit up there a lot.

As for myself: I am a single mother of a wonderful son, Cody Bailey, who is 27, married and living in New Jersey. I am a receptionist/administrative assistant by trade. I have lived in Fairmont my whole life. I just love it here.

I went to West Fairmont and am still a Polar Bear. I am a former volunteer EMT of the Marion County Rescue Squad and I am a member of Trinity Assembly of God in White Hall, where I am a member of the choir there.

My hobbies are cooking, baking and photography. I love the country and my hometown. I love sports, football mostly, kids and meeting new people.

I’m always willing to help when I can, wherever I can, I always put others first before myself. I take pride in being from a small town in West Virginia. I wouldn’t change it for the world. This is home to me.

This is what made Janet Bailey so special: “I’m always willing to help when I can, wherever I can, I always put others first before myself.”

Janet raised her son, Cody Bailey, as a single mother. Fairmont West graduate Cody lives in Sparta, New Jersy with wife Katie Bailey.

Janet’s sister, Joyce Bailey, also a Fairmont West graduate, lives in Grafton.

This is Janet’s obituary:

Janet Ruth Bailey, 54, of Fairmont, went to meet the Lord on Sunday, February 7, 2021.  She was born October 10, 1966, in Fairmont, WV, daughter of Judy and the late John Bailey. 

Janet was a proud 1984 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School.  She was employed by Mon Health Medical Equipment.  Janet enjoyed spending time with loved ones and helping others.  She was an active member of Trinity Assembly of God Church.  She was a past member of the Marion County Rescue Squad.  As she would put it “I’m a squad Brat”.  Janet always had a smile on her face and a “Love you Darlin” for everyone she knew.  She loved her family and her friends became her family.  Janet was very outgoing; she never met a stranger and she was full of life.

Janet is survived by her son Cody Bailey and wife Katie of New Jersey; her mother, Judy Morrison; sister, Joyce Bailey of Grafton; a brother, John Bailey and wife Jennifer of Fairmont; a niece, Madison Bailey of Fairmont; an aunt, Nancy Bailey of Fairmont; an Uncle, Tommy DeBarr and wife Molly of Florida; an aunt, Bonnie Robinson and late husband Steve of North Carolina; an uncle, Steve DeBarr and late wife Patsy of Parkersburg; her boyfriend, Chris Hallman of Grafton; and many other family members.

In addition to her Fathers passing in 1991, Janet was proceeded in death by her paternal grandparents, Robert and Ruth Bailey; maternal grandparents, Thomas and Doris DeBarr; five uncles, Teddy Bailey, Bobby Bailey, Bill Bailey and wife Barb, Bob Miller, Phil Edwards and wife Jean; three cousins, Earl, Susie, and Davey Edwards, and her Step Father, Bill Morrison.

Janet was a beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend to everyone.  She will be greatly missed by all.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Ave. Fairmont, on Monday, February 15, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday February 16, 2021 from Noon until 2:00 p.m.  The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Melinda Suplita officiating.  The interment will follow at Grove Cemetery in Monongah.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .

MITCH VOZNIAK PASSES AWAY

 

Mitch Vozniak, Class of 1953, passed away.

His wife, Barbara Prezioso Vozniak, also Class of 1953, predeceased him.

Their son, 1962 North Marion grad Joe Pat Vozniak, passed away in 2016 in Florida.

Another son, David Vozniak, survives.

The late Chester Vozniak is Mitch's brother. Chester married Mildred Paknik Vozniak, Class of 1948. Another brother, Walter Vozniak, also predeceased Mitch.

 

John Vozniak also is Mitch’s brother. John’s daughter and Mitch’s niece is Sherry Vozniak, a Fairmont State graduate living in Monongah.

 

Mitch Vozniak was on the 1952 Monongah High state football championship team coached by Jim Feltz, the first of 5 Monongah High state football title teams, and an auto racing mechanic.

 

I went to school and caddied at Fairmont Field Club with Mitch. I met Mitch and Barbara again within the past decade at Murv and Emily McDowell’s Mountaineer Tailgater party in the Light Blue Lot outside Mountaineer Field before a WVU football game.

Barbara’s aunt, the late Amelia Ann Yerace Prezioso (The Canned Peppers Lady), ran Prezioso Grocery at the top of Jackson Street with her husband, Roman Prezioso, Sr.

Amelia and Roman, Sr. are the parents of State Sen. Roman Prezioso, Jr., Class of 1967, who lives in Fairmont with wife Deborah.

Barbara’s sister, Lavinia Rose Prezioso Edmond, Class of 1960, is the mother of Dr. Michael Edmond, head of WVU Medicine and a pioneer in c.diff treatment using fecal matter.

 

Barbara is in the same generation of many Monongah Preziosos with Lavinia,  Josephine Prezioso Westfall, Bea Prezioso Mangino, Brulina Prezioso Sweeney, Marie Prezioso, Eugene Prezioso, Nick Domico, Dr. Ronald Pearse and West Virginia state senator Roman Prezioso.

 

Denise Vozniak Holcomb, Mitch’s niece and a North Marion and Fairmont State graduate who is a nurse at WVU Medicine Children’s in Morgantown and lives in White Hall, sums up Mitch best:

 

“Heaven has another angel! He was loved by so many and will be missed by even more! Rest in Peace Uncle Mitch!”

I second that emotion, Denise, knowing Mitch as I did over the years. Farewell, childhood friend!

Mitch’s obituary:

Mitchel Vozniak, 86, of Monongah, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021. He was born September 5, 1934 in Monongah, a son of the late John Vozniak, Sr. and Nellie Vesick Vozniak.

Mitchel was previously employed by FMC Corporation and retired from Consolidation Coal Central Shop. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed auto racing.

Mitchel is survived by his son, David Vozniak and his wife Ann; his grandchildren, Michael Vozniak, Joseph Vozniak, and Kristen Vozniak; great granddaughter, Emily; a brother John Vozniak; a sister-in-law, Olga Vozniak; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mitchel was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Vozniak who passed away one month ago on February 11, 2021; his son and daughter-in-law, Joe Pat and Robin Vozniak; his brothers, Walter Vozniak and Chester Vozniak; and a sisters-in-law, Cathy Vozniak and Mildred Vozniak.

The family would like to give special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and to his very special caregivers, Dottie, Monique, and Christine.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, private, family services will be held. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .