Anthony Rosario Paolo

Although his life's journey was filled with countless enriching experiences that brought him such joy, there was no greater gift in the life of Anthony R. "Tony" Paolo than becoming a grandfather to the five amazing grandchildren he adored. He was a gentle, hardworking man of honor and integrity who made it seem effortless to put the needs of others ahead of his own on a daily basis. Tony was never one to worry about building wealth or accumulating vast amounts of possessions, rather, he focused his time and attention on living each day to the fullest. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were blessed to know and love him. The dark days of the 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs became hard to come by, which drove the unemployment rate to over 25 percent leaving cities, communities, and families to come together in whatever way they could to weather the storm. Things only went from bad to worse when a crippling drought gripped our nation's heartland for nearly two years, bringing additional strain to an already struggling agricultural industry. Despite the trials around them, a young couple from Weirton, West Virginia, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on December 18, 1933. Anthony R. was one of three children born to his parents, Joseph and Mary Santoro Paolo, and he was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Frank, and his sister, Anna. In many ways, Anthony, or Tony as he was often known, experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the youth of his generation. He was a student at Weirton Heights, Weir Junior and Weir High School, where Tony went on to graduate as part of the class of 1952. As a young man he honorably served in the United States Air Force. While there his dream was to become an air traffic controller, but his eyesight left him unable to bring that dream to fruition. Tony's time in the military spanned four years before he was discharged from active duty in 1957. Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Tony's introduction to the young woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Margarite Parisi, and they met when Tony was visiting his sister in Rhode Island as Anna was married to Margarite's first cousin, Pasquale. As time went on, sparks flew between Tony and his sweetheart, and it wasn't long before they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Tony and Margarite became husband and wife on June 1, 1957. Together they endured what no parent should have to when they mourned the loss of two infant children, Anthony and Anne. However, their sadness soon turned to extreme joy as they welcomed their son, Anthony, into their hearts and home on Mother's Day, May 10, 1964. It was also a day for great celebration when their son was baptized on Father's Day. Just a short time later their family was completed with the birth of their daughter, Anne, on July 2, 1965. First and foremost in Tony's life was always his family, but he was one to be busy with various interests as well. He spent 29 years working as a recorder in the Blooming Mill at Weirton Steel. A longtime resident of the community he loved, Tony was a member of the 25 year club of Weirton Steel, and he was also a longtime member of Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church. An avid sports fan, Tony loved the Cleveland Browns and Jim Brown, and he took great pride in the fact that his son is now a Browns fan because of the influence of Tony. He loved being at home and has even been described as a homebody, and when he was there he could often be found watching sports on TV, cutting the grass or taking care of his house in some way. Life couldn't have been better than when Tony became a grandfather. He loved being with his grandchildren whenever he could. It was wonderful when Tony could combine his love for his grandchildren with his love for sports by watching them take part in various sports while cheering them on from the sidelines. Through this he enjoyed being a fan of basketball, football, and lacrosse as well as supporting his grandson, Howie, who is an outstanding golfer. Anthony "Tony" Paolo accomplished so much of which to be proud, but there was nothing that he treasured more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include branches of children and grandchildren who were his greatest love. He has been described as selfless and generous with a deep devotion to his family, community, and country. Tony had a love for life that was easy to see, and his dedication to the people and things he felt passionately about was inspiring. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends. Anthony R. "Tony" Paolo, 80, of Weirton died, after a brief illness, Tuesday June 24, 2014, at the Weirton Medical Center. Born on December 18, 1933 in Weirton, WV, Tony was a son of the late Joseph and Mary Santoro Paolo. He was also preceded in death by his infant son and daughter. Tony was a graduate of Weir High School Class of 1952. After high School, Tony served four years in the Unites States Air Force. In June of 1957, he was married and he worked at Weirton Steel, where he retired after 39 years as a recorder in the Blooming Mill. Tony was a member of the 25 year club of Weirton Steel, and a long time member of Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church. Tony loved watching sports watching TV and taking care of his home. He will always be remembered as a selfless man, who found his greatest enjoyment in life watching his grandchildren play sports. He is survived by his wife, Margarite Parisi Paolo; his son, Anthony (Nicole) Paolo of Powell, OH; his daughter, Anne (Howard "Trey") Peterson of Weirton, WV; his brother, Frank Paolo, of Burlington, IA, his sister, Anna Confreda of Coventry, RI; and his grandchildren, Joseph, John and Nicholas Paolo, and Howie and Rachel Peterson. Visitation will be 4-8 PM Friday at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Saturday at Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Weirton Rev. Fr. Larry Dorsch will preside. Entombment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery Mausoleum, military honors conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to Saint Paul's Grade School 140 Walnut Street Weirton, WV 26062 or to Weirton Madonna High School 150 Michael Way Weirton, WV 26062