matteo magnone
Matteo V. Magnone, 60, of Weirton, died Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at UPMC after a brief bout with lung cancer. He was a renowned Weirton athlete who was a 2-time state wrestling champion for Weir in the unlimited weight class in 1966 and 1967 under Coach Carl Fodor. He went on to play football at Salem College under Ed Pastilong. While at Weir, Matteo was named honorable mention high school All-American in football as a lineman. In addition to his parents, William and Maria Magnone, Matteo was preceded in death by his wife, Alice. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Mary, as well as his son, Bill, who is Weir's baseball coach, his daughter-in-law, Faith, who is Weir's cheering coach and the joy of his life, his granddaughter, Emma'lee Magnone. Also surviving is his brother Albert (Caroline) of Weirton and sister Linda Bruno of Lancaster, Ohio. Surviving nephews include Vince, Antonio and Angelo Magnone and Robert, Michael and Joey Bruno. Also surviving is his longtime companion, Debbie Schwertfeger. Matteo loved to fish and hunt at his cabin in Canaan Valley with his childhood and college friends. He also loved to make sopressatta, olives and pepper paste and was known for his excellence in making smoked meats and pork and providing fantastic 4th of July get-togethers for friends and family. Matteo owned BILMAR Construction for over 20 years and his masonry work can be found in numerous buildings in the tri-state area. Matteo was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church. Visitation will be held Thursday 6-8PM and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Saturday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church with The Reverend Father Dean Borgmeyer officiating.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Mary, Bill and Faith: Where do we begin to let you know how much we thought of Matteo and of course, Alice. We have such great memories of all our palomino baseball trips. We will always remember and miss Matteo knocking on our door every Christmas Eve with an armful of goodies from the strip district. He was a very special and giving person. Matteo also put on the best fireworks display in town! Bill and Faith: From the first day I saw your beautiful daughter, I said she looks just like her Pap Pap. Everyday that you look into her eyes, you will be able to see Matteo. There is nothing we can do or say to take away your pain. Just know that we are thinking of you and we too will miss Matteo. He was one of a kind! Mark and Barbara Trushel

  2. Don and I just wanted to send our sympathy to your family. We are Garn’s Aunt and Uncle and know how much he loved your parents. We are saddened by your loss, and hope that with prayers and wonderful memories this time will be a joyous occassion of your Dad’s life!

  3. Don and I just wanted to send our sympathy to your family. We are Garn’s Aunt and Uncle and know how much he loved your parents. We are saddened by your loss, and hope that with prayers and wonderful memories this time will be a joyous occassion of your Dad’s life!

  4. There are many good things to say about Mr.Magnone. I woudn’t be the man I am today if he hadn’t been a part of my life. I have great memories of growing up at the Magnone house. I ate dinner there so many times and there was a reason I always happened by around six. Sitting at that table made me feel like part of the greatest family I had known and other than the fact that I always had to sit in the squeeky chair I was treated like one of their own. Mr.Magnone would make me sit there and eat til he had finished. I didn’t mind. He would make me try different food while talking about life and football. I didn’t get that anywhere else (the talks or the prosciutto). One time when we were about 13 some of the crew (Chuck, Garn, Bill, myself, and a few others) were in the living room and Mr.Magnone got onto the floor and took us all on. He beat the snot out of us. It was so much fun. I know I can speak on behalf of all the Boggins when I say Mr. Magnone you were a great man and thank you.

  5. Albert and the Magnone family, you have my deepest sympathy on Matteo’s passing away. I have many fond memories of Matteo from high school, a great friend that I will miss dearly. Nick Kundrat

  6. To Matteo’s family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will miss seeing Matteo with his big smile and friendly “Hello”. Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Marlene & Michael Runkel

  7. Albert, Mary and the rest of the Magnone family i offer my deepest sympathy in this time of your lose. I can say it was an honor to have known Matteo. He was a special person.

  8. The entire Magnone family has my deepest sympathy. Matteo was always larger than life and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  9. Mary we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Shauna

  10. Albert and family Dolores and I wish to express our sympathy on the passing of Matteo We will keep him in our prayers Dolores and Tony LaRosa

  11. Mary and Bill (and the rest of the family), Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Magnone was a wonderful man who was larger than life. He always made me feel welcome during the many times I was over your house for the 4th or just hanging out. He left a great legacy that he will always be proud of!

  12. Bill and Mary, My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad, Mr Magnone. He was a great man who I learned so much from being around during work and time at the your house. Truly a great family man who will be missed. Eric Nagy

  13. Cari Nipoti Siamo affranti dal dolore per questa tragedia che ha portato via il nostro caro Matteo in maniera prematura. I ricordi rievocano i pochi momenti trascorsi insieme, la prima volta quando nel 1958 venimmo a Weirton con la Nonna Peppina. Io avevo 18 anni e Matteo era un affettuosissimo ragazzino di 9 anni. Anche se una grande distanza ci separa ci sentiamo vicini a voi tutti e vi abbracciamo con tanto affetto. Zia Ida Zio Mario Gianfranco Nadia

  14. Albert & Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Matteo was a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of you and your family. I know the pain you are feeling, I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts. God bless you. Diane

  15. To the Magnone Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you. Matteo was a good friend from college days and will be missed greatly. I will always keep fond memories of a good man. Tom Ereditario (Rat)

  16. It was an honor to know and learned so much from a great man.He will be missed by all who knew him.Words cannot say enough. I’ll miss you buddy.

  17. Bill & Faith, Mary & Johnny, & the Magnone Family, Bill & Mary, Some of my best memories include you & your parents. Childhood sleepovers, backyard ball, go-cart rides, jailbreak, family get-togethers, football games,baseball games, building tree houses, & so many UNFORGETTABLE 4th of July parties. Matteo was a great person who spoke with his actions & he had a heart of gold. He always made me feel welcome, with a warm smile & a hand shake. To this day, Matteo’s hamburgers are John Dylan’s favorite…Like Alice, he will be sorely missed. Youre in our thoughts. With fond memories, Pat, Nikki & the boys~ The Heisermans

  18. Magnone family, please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Matteo. My first trip to Morgantown was as a child when my father and I drove down to see Matteo wrestle in the state tournament. He was so kind to us, yet fierce on that mat. I think of that often when I drive past Stansbury Hall where the tournamet was held that year. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  19. To the Magnone family, Matteo was a classmate of mine from high school and I also remember his big smile and friendly manner. He was kind to everyone. May he rest in peace and you all have my deepest sympathy.

  20. Mary, Bill and family, Matteo was one of my students and he always had a smile on his face. He was a great athlete and Mr. Fodors pride and joy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. sincerely, Jerry Hamill

  21. Our thoughts and prayers to the Magnone Family. Mr. Magnone always had a friendly smile and it was always a pleasure to assist him with any arrangements he needed. He will be missed.

  22. To the Magnone family we extend our sympathy. I was on the coaching staff at Salem College when Matteo was there and we have renewed our friendship at Salem College Football Reunions. He will be missed but good memories of a great person will be our cornerstone.

  23. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike is trying to get there, but can’t get a flight out at this time. Debbie, if there is anything we can do please call 239 541-7798. Mike talked to Matt a couple weeks ago and was planning on coming up. Sorry that he didn’t see him. God Bless you all, Mike & Donna Fedczak

  24. Mr sorrow for your loss, I knew Matteo as a 7th grader at Liberty school, When I was in highschool I also went to the stste wrestling meet in Parkersburgh where I got to visit with Matteo, of course he remembered me and later I got to see him win the heavyweight divition in the finalsI also got to see Tony Varlas and Teddy Ameridese, other childhood friends, I was also fortunate to see Matteo in some track meets when he trew the shotput. I always thought of him even though we had a breif friendship,and never forgot the coutisey he showed at our meeting. I am sorry for your loss, cordially, John A. Smearman

  25. So sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was the nicest man we both ever met. His heart was big as he was. He will be missed. Take care and God Bless.

  26. To The Magnone Family, It was always a pleasure to deal with Matteo. He always left us with a smile on our faces. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Todd Morelli Supply.

  27. To The Magnone Family Are prays are with you,and we are sincerely sorry for you loss. Our condolences Jack C. Stephens and Family

  28. My deepest sympathy to your family. I grew up with Matteo. The world has lost a very kind, giving and loving person. I will miss him dearly.

  29. Matteo’s Family, We will always remember what a kind person Matteo was, always willing to do anything for anyone in need. A good man has gone before us but we know that he is in heaven looking down. Our prayers are with you during this sad time.

  30. To the Magnone family, I didn’t know Matteo,but I’d heard so many good things about him. His special athletic ability was just one. Weirtonians are a special group – definitely the athletes. His memory will be with us forever. My prayers to you all! Bob Kelley

  31. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matteo’s family and closest friends. Matteo left a tremendous impact in the Weirton community and an exemplar legacy of unconditional friendship. We pray you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him and those touched by his enthusiasm for life, passion for Italian cuisine, gregarious character, and warming spirit.

  32. I had the misfortune to play across the line from Matteo for Follansbee High. Then I had the honor to be his teammate in the Ohio Vallev All-Star Game. It was then that I learned what a swell guy he really was. So sorry for your loss.

  33. I had the misfortune to play across the line from Matteo for Follansbee High. Then I had the honor to be his teammate in the Ohio Vallev All-Star Game. It was then that I learned what a swell guy he really was. So sorry for your loss.

  34. Mary, Bill, We are so sorry to hear about your loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Growing up I would hear Matteo stories from my uncles and cousins who knew him well and played sports with and against him and what a great guy he was. Im glad I had the pleasure of knowing him. Im sure his stories will live on forever. May his soul rest in peace. Sincerely, Jason (Ribs) & Adriane Rybka

  35. to Mary and the Magnone family, our deepest sympathy on the passing of Matteo,he was a gentleman and a good hearted person,he will be sadly missed by my whole family,his 4th of july parties the kids loved,we enjoyed the company of Matteo and Alice at the basketball games at Weir High.I will miss working on his mortar mixers when they stopped mixing his cement.Matteo,rest in peace with Alice,we love you! The Carnes Family

  36. Bill and Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I truely loved and respected him. Ever since you guys were little growing up he was always there and when my dad couldn’t be there for Chuck your dad was ( baseball game). No matter what your parents ALWAYS took care of all of the guys. He will be truely missed. You guys are part of my family and have been for so long I am always just a call away.

  37. Bill and Mary, I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a great man who was loved and respected by many. My thoughts are with you and your family during this great loss. My condolences, Luke Underwood

  38. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Matteo was a good friend to us when we lived in Weirton.

  39. Dear Magnone Family, What a pleasure it was for so many of us to meet Matteo and call him our Friend. There are so many excellent reflections we can all share about Matteo I am sure that all the memories will help you as a family as you travel the path of grief missing him. There is so much of his physical work around town that will always reflect his skill. I was present the Saturday that Matteo and My Big Jim built the dougout for the baseball field behind the center. Matteo did all the art work of laying the block while my Jim lifted them for him. Again so many good things to reflect upon. May God Bless you all at this difficult time. Thinking Love, Darlene McKinley

  40. Please allow me to offer my condolences on Matteo’s passing. While in school, Matteo was always someone that we could “look-up” to. As an adult, he continued to demonstrate pride in his hard work and a giving heart. We all could learn from his example. May Matteo rest in peace and may the Lord comfort you in this loss. God Bless!! Michael & Jody Saffel

  41. Debbie and Magnone Family I send my deepest sympathy to you. I cant express nor can I sincerly say Debbie that I know how you feel, it has been a tough time for you and Matteo will be looking down along with the rest to watch over you. May God Bless

  42. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Matteo. I’ll never forget the time he put a new roof on my house, working away but smiling the entire time. He will be greatly missed.

  43. To the Magnone family, please accept my deepest sympathies. I grew up on Kusic Street until the age of 12. Our neighborhood would always challenge the Gilson street gang to the annual football game and some of my fondest childhood memories was holding on to Matteo’s leg while he drug me and about 4 other kids across the goal line. Thanks for the memories.

  44. I’m so sorry to hear of Matteo’s passing. He and I were “bitter” rivals on the gridiron but very respected friends off the field. I knew him in high school and at West Liberty. I am a better person both physically and menatlly because of him. I would have liked to connect with him. I miss him. I’m sorry for your loss. Ted Leon


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