Thursday, December 10, 2020

TRY OUT THE NEW MONONGAH HIGH CLASS OF 1950 FACEBOOK PAGE

 

Check out Class of 1950 Facebook page!!

 

Try the Monongah High Class of 1950 Facebook page that I created.

When you open up Facebook go to the upper left where it says “Search” and type in

 

Monongah High Class of 1950

 

That will take you to the Class of 1950 Facebook page.

Enjoy!

If you have any suggestions for improvement I welcome them.

Stay safe during the pandemic.

John Olesky, Class of 1950

 

I continue to publish the Monongah High Alumni blog. You can check that out by clicking on the blue jo4wvu.blogspot.com   

 

Sunday, December 6, 2020

1907 mine disaster remembrance

 




The coronavirus prevented a public gathering in Monongah of the twin mines explosions that killed 362 miners on December 6, 1907 but the citizens of Molisano muncipality in Italy, which had 87 of its former residents among the dead, had an intense moment of reflection during the Holy Mass in Duronia.

171 Italian-Americans died on that terrible day, including 87 from Molisano: Duronia (36) Frosolone (20), Torella del Sannio (12), Fossalt (8), Pietracatella (7), Bagnoli del Trigno (3) and Vastogirardi (1).

 

The Monongah Cultural Association President is Meffe Gianni, a reverse name of the Johnny Meffe I grew up with in Monongah. Duronia’s mayor is Michelino D’Amico, another surname familiar among Monongah residents.

 

At the end of the mass there was then a moment of gathering, in compliance with the current rules, at the memorial made in memory of the victims in 2007, by artist Fernando Izzi, and at the old cemetery in the village, where already in 1908 A plaque by heart was affixed by the City of Duronia in 1908, the first and only testimony for nearly a century of the greatest tragedy of Italian emigration.

 

There was a prayer for the victims and the deposition of a bouquet of flowers to not forget those who abandoned their homeland in search of a better future but who unfortunately lost their lives in the bowels of the Monongah mines.

 

It remains the deadlyist coal mining tragedy in American history.

 

It is the 11th worst coal mining calamity in world history.


Friday, December 4, 2020

Connie Chucci passes away

Connie Chucci passes away

A Monongah High grad’s inquiry about the whereabouts of Connie Chucci led me to this sad discovery: Connie Romaine Racey Chucci passed away June 13 in Fairmont at the age of 92.

Connie was Fred Chucci’s widow.

Daughter Bonnie Jean Chucci Primo of Monongah was Connie’s caretaker for her final years.

Connie’s sons are Fred William Chucci of Hurricane, Utah and John Henry Chucci of Mooresville, North Carolina.

Connie out-lived all her siblings: Virginia Miller, Raymond Newhouse, Fern Parrill, John Newhouse and Thomas Newhouse.

Connie’s obituary:

Constance Romaine (Connie) Racey Chucci, 92, died June 13, 2020, at the Genesis Pierpont Center, in Fairmont. She was born on December 1, 1927, in Junction, Mineral County, the daughter of the former Sarah Ethel (Sallie) Biser and Guy Madison Racey.

Connie grew up in Hampshire and Mineral Counties, often working on family farms when she wasn't in school, and attended Keyser High School. She married Fred Chucci on June 28, 1946, and the couple moved to Monongah in 1950 with their oldest children. Fred died in 1977.

Connie was a caregiver by nature, yet feisty until her last days. But no one left her home hungry, and she opened her home to family and friends in need throughout her life. She was a devout Christian, an excellent gardener who grew vegetables and flowers as long as she was in her home, and an animal lover who took in strays throughout her life.

She is survived by her three children: Bonnie Jean Premo, of Monongah, who was Connie's caretaker in her later years; Fred William (Luanne), of Hurricane, UT; and John Henry, of Mooresville, NC. She also leaves behind three grandchildren and their partners: Rita Premo (Kevin Jernegan), of Santa Rosa, CA; Christopher Premo (Amanda Gasda), of Fairmont; and Tarri (Scott) Parkin, of Riverton, UT; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Several beloved nieces and nephews survive her.

Connie was the last surviving member of her immediate and married families. In addition to her parents and husband, Connie was preceded in death by her siblings, Virginia Miller, Raymond Newhouse, Fern Parrill, John Newhouse, and Thomas Newhouse; her step-father, Earl Boyce; and her son-in-law, Thomas Premo.

Her family thanks the staff and clinicians at Genesis Pierpont Center for their loving care of Connie during the past 4 years.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A private funeral service for the immediate family will be held at a later date. Interment will follow at Grandview Memorial Park & Mausoleum at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .

 

 

 

Thoburn graduation program

 




Cleanout turned into a treasure find

 

Harold Maze, Class of 1961, discovered a treasure while going through and disposing of his uncle Gilbert Maze’s old papers.

 

Harold posted:

 

“John, I was getting rid of some of my Uncle's old papers and found a Thoburn Grade School graduation program. It is the class of 1951.

 

“It was held at eight o'clock, at the Monongah High School Auditorium. Monday evening May twenty-eighth, 1951.

 

“If anyone is interested, I will give the program to them.”

 

Just go onto the Facebook page for Harold Maze.

 

Uncle Gilbert lived in Westchester, just outside Fairmont. He was born in 1900.

 

Harold’s aunt, Minnie Maze, and grandmother, lives on Cottage Avenue in Monongah.

 

Harold married Kathy Lindsay Maze, Class of 1968, shortly after her graduation from Monongah High. They live just outside Worthington about 400 feet from the home where Harold grew up in.

 

Kathy attended Shinnston High for three years before switching to Monongah High.

 

Shelvy Maze Cunningham, Class of 1954, and Sandra Maze Freeman, Class of 1956, are Harold’s sisters.


Charles Christopher passes away

 





I received belated word from Jim McDaniel, Class of 1960, who grew up in Worthington and lives in Behobothbeach, Delaware, that Charles Christoper, Class of 1959, who played football at Monongah High and Fairmont State before becoming an FBI agent, passed away October 30 in Dowington, Pennsylvania.

Charlie was predeceased by his wife, Janet Louise Wolf Christopher.

Charlie's brother, Tom Christopher, is married to Marlene Davis Christopher, Class of 1962, a regular at Monongah High Alumni Reunions in recent years.


Charlie’s parents were Charles and Anne Christopher. He grew up in Four States.


Charlie served his country with three tours of duty as a Marine in Vietnam in the 1960s. He retired from the FBI in 1999. Charlie was in the National Park Service at Mammoth Cave in Kentucky before his FBI days.

Charlie and Harold Kniceley were friends at Fairmont State.

Charlie’s brother, Tom Christopher, was Class of 1960. I also found a David Christopher, Class of 1973, who lived in Idamay, but he’s not listed in the obituary. Only survivors are.

Charlie’s obituary:

Charles Christopher, Sr., a resident of Downingtown, PA, age 79, passed away on October 30, 2020 in Coatesville, PA. 

Born in Jenkins, KY, and raised in Four States, WV, Charles was a graduate of Monongah High School, Class of 1959, and a graduate of Fairmont State University, Class of 1963. 

Charles served his country proudly in the United States Navy, from 1964 to 1966, completing 3 Tours of Duty in Vietnam detached to the United States Marine Corps. 

After his time in the Navy, Charles taught at Fairmont High School and worked in the Park Service at Mammoth Cave before going to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During his time in the FBI Charles worked as a Special Agent in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and New York before retiring in 1999. 

In his free time Charles loved to read, listen to music, and target shoot. He always enjoyed his time spent with friends and family. Charles took a special interest in spending as much time as possible with his only son.
 


Charles was the son of the late Charles and Anne Christopher, and husband of the late Janet Louise Wolf Christopher.

Survivors: Beloved Son: Charles Wesley Christopher, IV. Brother: Thomas Christopher.
 


Graveside Service and Burial: Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 10:30 am at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Indiantown Gap Rd., Annville, PA 17003. Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com .


Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Phil Colanero's grandson passes away

 

Phil Colanero’s grandson passes away

Morgan Stephen Atha, 26, son of Mike Broscious of Monongah and grandson of the late Phil Colanero, Jr., Class of 1973, passed away November 26.

Stephen Atha and Deanne Dyson of Fairmont also were listed as parents.

Phil Colanero was Morgan’s maternal grandfather. Phil and I often shared a meal before or after football games at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown.

Phil Colanero, Jr.’s siblings include Tom Colanero, Class of 1968, who is married to Julie Khur Colanero, and Paulette Lynn Colanero O’Connor, who was on Coach Gene Kendzior’s 1960 Monongah girls softball team that won the Marion County title.

Morgan’s obituary:

Morgan Stephen Atha, 26 years old, born August 28, 1994, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 26, 2020. Morgan was born in

Fairmont and graduated from North Marion High School in 2012.

 

He was a bartender at Brickside Bar & Grill in Bridgeport, WV. Morgan loved the game of baseball throughout his life. He was active in the sport from the age of seven and continued to play as he grew into adulthood. Everyone who knew Morgan, loved him. He always had a smile on his face and love in his heart. Morgan loved keeping up on the latest fashion trends and always dressed to impress. Morgan had the softest and most Stekind heart and even though his life was cut short, he touched the lives of many while he was with us.

 

Morgan is survived by his parents; Stephen and Belinda Atha of Fairmont WV, Deanne and Maurice Dyson of Fairmont WV, and Mike Broscious of Monongah, WV. He was treasured and loved by all his siblings; Tonya and Ashley Atha, Cole Atha (roommate and best bud), Manning, Benedicta, Cambria, and Jerry Broscious. His grandparents; Loving Maternal grandmother Glenna Colanero, and grandparents Raymond and Connie Broscious. Paternal Grandparents; Donald and Sue Atha. Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins (aunt meme) Melissa and Rodney Huffman (Samantha Lemley (Joey Heckel),, Chaz and Chase Colanero and Iszabella Hyde); Michael (uncle mean Mike) and Susan Hawkins; (Jarod and Jacob Hawkins); Mike and Cheri Atha; (Spencer and Sutton Atha); Matt Broscious, and Mark and Jamie Broscious. Morgan was also survived by many other family, friends, and his beloved girlfriend , Mitchelle VanPelt and son, Ryker. Morgan was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather; Philip J. Colanero Jr.

 

Family and friends may call at Ross Funeral Home 801 Fairmont Avenue Fairmont from from 3-5:00 pm Friday, December 4, 2020 with service immediately following with Rev. Larry Buckland Officiating. There will be no graveside services.

 

Condolences may be sent to www.rossfh.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

December Lions birthdays

 





 

Otis “Sarge” Shaver, Class of 1948, is the oldest graduate I have on the list of December birthdays for Monongah High Lions. His birthday will be December 13.

 

Sarge is the only one on that list who is older than me. Well, other than Methuselah.

 

The youngest on the list is Paula Rossi Wiley, Class of 1976, whose birthday will be December 16.

 

Sarge lives on Old Monongah Road. His siblings are Jim Shaver, Class of 1954, who resides at Old Monongah Road when he's not visiting his wife's native Peru, and their sister, the Rev. Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Shaver Wycoff, who lives on the Shaver Farm on Old Monongah Road.

 

Sarge’s son, Mark Shaver, has a daughter, Audra Tucker, who is Sarge’s oldest granddaughter and lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Sarge frequently winds up.:)

 

As for Paula, she is married to Rick Wiley. They live in Fairmont.

 

Paula, after Fairmont State and WVU, embarked on a career as a Marion County Schools media specialist, teaching in Barracksville.

 

Paula’s parents are James and Virginia DeMary Rossi, Class of 1953, who was Tina Tartell’s life-long friend. Rick’s are Dale and Nancy Wiley.

 

Paula’s cousins include Patti DeMary Evans and Paula Muto Kurczak.

 

 

Monongah High birth dates

 

If your name is not on this list, email John Olesky at jo4wvu@neo.rr.com  with your full name, including maiden name, your birthday date, your graduation year and your current hometown.

 

December

2 – Adam Michna, 1980 North Marion graduate

2 -- Mareia Wilmouth McDougal, Class of 1964

3 – Goldie Mae Martin, Class of 1964

4 – Ronald Pearse, Class of 1961

4 – Jay Michalski, 1980 North Marion graduate

5 – Duane Harbert, Class of 1951

5 – Frances Victor Eates, Farmington grad, wife of Larry Dan Eates, Class of 1970

6 – Goldie Basagic Huffman, Class of 1974

8 – Brenda Urban, Class of 1971

10 – Richard Weaver, Class of 1957

11 – Paulette Colanero O’Connor, Class of 1966

13 – Otis “Sarge” Shaver, Class of 1948

14 – Bev Morgan Colisino, Class of 1974

16 – Shelvy Maze Cunningham, Class of 1964

16 – Henry Moore, husband of Beth Pritchard Moore, Class of 1975

16 – Paula Rossi Wiley, Class of 1976

18 – Bill Cameon, Class of 1960

20 – Mike Hess, Class of 1975

22 – Frances Wimer Miller, Class of 1951

23 – Jim Fullen

25 – Charles Melton, Class of 1973

25 – Chris Shamrock Henning

27 – John Yokay III, son of John Yokay, Class of 1953

29 --  Dolores Edwards, Class of 1955

30 – Deborah Prunty Poluck, Class of 1973

 

January

6 – Jeanette Barr Baczuk, Class of 1940

13 – Beatrice Salisbury Mills, Class of 1951

17 – Susan Colaneri Monell, Class of 1949

18 – Arlene Marteney Decker Edgell, Class of 1951

?? – Marie Bee Zwiegel, Class of 1951

18 – Bertha Pazdric Sullivan, Class of 1954

18 – Greg Vandetta, Monongah mayor, husband of Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973

19 – Joe Martin, Class of 1957

19 – Joann Thompson, Class of 1962  

22 – Jo-Jo DeMary of Monongah, who lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is married to Yvonne King DeMary

24 – Marcia Michalski Westfall, Class of 1974

24 – Mark “Hooch” Aldridge, Class of 1973

29 – Kitty Ahouse Morrison, Class of 1968

 

February

1 – Debra Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973

2 – Sylvia Edwards, Monongah grad living in Idamay

3 – Debbie Weaver Hurley, Monongah grad living in Monongah with husband Milton Hurley

3 – Rebecca Urish Anderson, Class of 1971

8 – Tom Fleming, Monongah grad living in Bridgeport

9 – Bob Nichols, Class of 1964

10 – Bonnie Nicholson Moats, Class of 1960

11—Linda Renay Hess Postlethwait, Class of 1968

15 – Jerry Koloskie, Class of 1975

17 – Larry “Danny” Eates, Class of 1970

18 – Mark Tarley, North Marion grad

20 – Harold Dean Kniceley, Class of 1960

21 – Eva Huey Jarvis, Class of 1975

24 – Mary Kelly, Monongah & North Marion

29 – Betty Sikinow Cunningham, Class of 1954

 

March

5 – Phil Colanero, Jr., Class of 1963

5 -- Doris Carpenter Rogers, Class of 1971

6 – Karen Fitzwater Pausch, Class of 1961

9 – Richie Basagic, Class of 1975 

9 – Brian Evans, Monongah graduate married to Patty DeMary Evans

15 – Donna Colvert Davis, Class of 1961, married to 1958 MHS grad Bill Davis

15 – Clarence William “Bill” Woods, Class of 1952

18 – Nancy Carol Davidson Kantura, Class of 1955

20 – Barbara Melton Earl, Class of 1978

22 – David Haines, Class of 1964

25 – Sandy Cook, Class of 1959

25 -- David Edwards, Class of 1976.

25 – Richard Fitzwater, Monongah graduate

28 – Josephine Popovich Jones, Class of 1952

 

April

 

4 – Charlotte Walker Cahill, Class of 1954

5 – Bernie Fullen, Class of 1963

9 – Paula “P.J.” Hickman, North Marion 1983

11 – Leo Kubiet, Class of 1942

12 – Linda Sawyer Duckworth, Class of 1966

14 – Lyla Cosner Howell, Class of 1958

15 – Judy Stewart Monell Razook, Class of 1959

16 – Becky Shelosky Carvillano, Class of 1961  

18 – Aaron Justice, Jr., Class of 1972

30 – Shirley Knight Ritterhouse, Class of 1954

 

May

4 – Freddie Jane Colosino Villers, Class of 1964

5 – Frank Franze, Class of 1950

5 – Louis Poluck, Class of 1973

6 – Jerry Loss, Class of 1956

12 – Arlene Kitchin, wife of Joe Martin, Class of 1957

14 – Donna Post Swiger, Class of 1953

14 – Mike Jurasko, Class of 1957

14 – Virginia Belle Littleton Curtis, Class of 1957

17 – Colette Stanley Melton, Class of 1970

17 – Lorraine Hulderman, Class of 1968

20 – Linda Tomlinson Stevenski, Class of 1955

21 – June Paxton Rogers, Class of 1948

22 – Toni Pflock Hennis, Class of 1955

27 – Ed Graffius, Class of 1971

28 – Terri Orsini Saye, Class of 1972

29 – John Woods, Class of 1957

29 – Scott Rogers, Class of 1973

30 – Dave Westfall, Class of 1948  

 

June

1 – Parma Kay Fetty, Class of 1973

3 – Jim Birdsell, North Marion grad from Monongah; married to Angela

5 – Ann “Peaches” DeMary

8 – John Koloskie, Jr., Class of 1944

8 – Pat Slovekosky Morris, Class of 1970

13 – John Melton, Class of 1975

13 – C.L. “Roy” Parker II, North Marion Class of 1982

13 – Rick Morrison, son of Kitty Ahouse Morrison, Class of 1968  

14 – Pamela Morrison Bombardiere, Class of 1967

14 – Regina Levelle Humphrey, Class of 1973

14 – Regina McCoy Murphy, Class of 1973

17 – Delmas Gene Hartley, Class of 1979

20 – Shirley Ann Woods Merchant, Class of 1953

22 – Prudence Deane Tetrick Funk, Class of 1960.

23 – Ramona Fullen Michalski, Class of 1949

23 – Kathryn Manuel Marshall, Class of 1960

23 – Ron Manzo, Class of 1969

23 – Frankie Vandetta, North Marion grad

 

July

1 – Roger Fisher, Monongah High grad

3 – Susan Ahouse Schrader, Class of 1971

5 – David Gowers, Class of 1971

5 – Bill Meredith, Class of 1957

7 – Alex Fazio Huff, North Marion 2005 grad

10 – Mary Fleming Toothman, Class of 1960

14 – Ted Nagel, Class of 1954

14 – Bentley Evans, Class of 1978

16 -- Debbie Moore O'Dell, Class of 1969 

18 – Larry Zickefoose, Class of 1968

19 – Arlene Martha Edwards Costelac, Class of 1958

20 – Catherine Reckart Boyce, Class of 1973

21 – Robin Huffman Satterfield, Class of 1973  

16 – Jean Nagel Viglianco, Class of 1949

19 – Jane Pritchard Moore, Class of 1975

29 – Pete Basagic, Class of 1972

 

August

1 – Kim DeMary Clowers, Class of 1979

5 – Robert Tennant, Class of 1971

6 – Wauneda Evans, Patty DeMary Evans’ mother-in-law

7 – Dorie Mike Whetsell, Monongah graduate

8 – Sandra Ashcraft, Class of 1964

9 – Paula Kerns Fazio, Class of 1979

15 – David Kelly, 1980 North Marion grad after 11 years at Thoburn & Monongah High

16 – Debby Morrison Harden, Class of 1966

17 – Twins Earnest Hayes & Chester Hayes, both Class of 1965

18 – Jim McDaniel, Class of 1960

18 – John Fazio, Class of 1970

19 – Greg Postlethwait, Class of 1964

19 – Barbra Eller-Hanning, Monongah grad

20 – Irene Fazio Preolitti, Class of 1966

20 – Connie Warash, Class of 1975

21 – Robert Howard Edwards, Class of 1959

24 – Sean Patrick Fazio, 2015 North Marion grad

29– Pat Meredith Wills, Class of 1950

30 – Beth Pritchard Brooks, Class of 1978

30 – David Harbert of Idamay, Farmington grad

 

September

 

1 – Claude Domico, Jr., Class of 1959

3 – Debra June Knight, Class of 1973

6 – Dave Domico of Monongah, Fairmont West grad married to Andrea Justice Domico

7 – Phillis Tarley, North Marion grad from Idamay living in Fairmont

8 – Fred Moorehead, Class of 1964 

8 – Jackie Olesky Straight, Class of 1955

13 – Karen Manzo Tennant, Class of 1974

14 – Jim Shaver, Class of 1954

15 – Bettie Hensley Lowther, Class of 1948

17 – Patti DeMary Evans, Class of 1972

20 – Greg Patrick, Class of 1970

23 – Sally Wood Tarley, Class of 1959

24 – Joe Fazio, Class of 1974

25 – Marylee Hertzog Gwinn, Class of 1948

25 – Jim Davis, Class of 1964

26 – Nathaleen Cameon Oliverio, Class of 1948

27 -- Bonita Lavencheck Waybright, Class of 1968

29 – Doris Jean Menear Basnett, Class of 1938

29 – Dietta Harden Goush, Class of 1959

29 – Pamm Yanero Bragg, Class of 1969

 

October

 

1 – Janet Sowers Rinehart, Class of 1964

2 – Stanley H. Vance, Class of 1964

7 – Sherry McIntire, Class of 1975

8 – Susan Staron Sanders, Class of 1971

8 – Valerie Vandetta Aldridge, Class of 1973

11 – Jay Holman, Class of 1971

12 – Brenda Manzo, wife of Danny Manzo, Class of 1957

14 – John Prunty, Class of 1949

18 – Kim Glover Ice, Class of 1975

19 – Ronda Colisino, Class of 1978

20 – Leona “Duckles” Davis Schooley, Class of 1953

20 – Richard Edwards, Class of 1978

21 – Ken Slovekosky, Gilmer County High Class of 1976.

22 – Mike Uram, 1981 North Marion graduate

 

 

25 -- Rachel Vivian Stalnaker Sloan, Class of 1962.

26 – Lori Hawkins Ice, Fairmont East graduate living in Carolina

29 – Robert Boydoh, Class of 1956

31 – Patty Steele McCombs, Fairmont East graduate who lives in Monongah

31 – Helen McDougal Mudry, Monongah High grad

 

 

November

1 – Tom Dean, Class of 1949

4 – Roger Harbert, Class of 1960

5 – John Olesky, Class of 1950

8 – Richard “Ike” Chickerell, Class of 1970

8 – Diana Pishner Walker

10 – Tony Orsini, Class of 1946

10 – Anthony Pulice, Jr., Class of 1945

13 – Elwood Toll, Class of 1951

14 – Ann Marie Mascak Davis, Class of 1955

17 – John Todd Moats, North Marion Class of 1985

20—Hellen Snider Carpenter, Class of 1950               

20 – Kathryn Toothman Crim, Class of 1950

22 – Mike Ahouse, Class of 1968

23 – Sandra Thompson Barton, Class of 1967.

23 -- Antheai Justice Turner, North Marion 1982

25 – Gerald Nelson Hartley, Class of 1955

27 – Roy Foster, Class of 1945

28 – Danny Fullen, Class of 1961

29 – Dave Westfall, Marcia Westfall Michalski’s son