John "Jack" Kuhn
Reunited in Heaven, John C. Kuhn (Jack) joined his life-long partner and wife, Carol on September 22, 2022.
Steady, intelligent, responsible and kind are words that best describe this Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
Though technically born in Zanesville, OH, Jack was a proud West Virginian. He grew up in Ravenswood/ Silverton always considering those years as his Shangri-la. Later his family moved to Charleston during teenage years where Jack, his brothers, Harold and Larry, and his sister Franny grew into fine adults. Their parents, Ruth and Clayton did a fantastic job raising their 4 kids.
Jack continued his education at Marshall University becoming an Electrical Engineer during which time he married Carol Lanham, moved to Barboursville and began raising his sons, John and Scott. This devoted father and husband never wavered when it came to family and friends. As time passed, he became the steady force for his grandchild, John and later his great grandchildren Alexis, Ian and Isiah.
During his final year he was coaxed on to the high seas by his daughter in law, Robin, to put the final check on his “bucket list” cruising through the Panama Canal. She introduced him as “Captain Jack” and he quickly became a crew favorite walking the decks with his self-made walking stick. He would cruise once more embracing the title “Captain Jack ” to his final day.
So long Captain Jack. May you rest in peace knowing you lived an amazing life.
A graveside service to Honor the Life of Jack will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 27, 2022 in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassduneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Mary Elizabeth Potter
Mary Sayre Potter, formerly of San Antonio, Tx and Huntington, WV passed away on September 26, 2022, at Bellaire at Devonshire, Scott Depot, WV where she has resided for the past five years. She was born in Huntington, WV to the late John and Marion Sayre. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Billy Potter, brothers, John Sayre and Bill Sayre and brother-in-law, Cecil Minton. She is survived by sister, Nancy Minton of South Charleston, WV sister-in-law, Suzanne Sayre of Huntington, WV; nieces Diana (Greg) Johnson of Elkins, WV, Ellen (Tim) Potter of South Charleston, WV, Anna (Louis) Steirer of Portland, Oregon, Shannon (Darrell) Sydenstricker of Chesapeake, Oh, nephew, Jack (Amy) Sayre of Madison, Wi and several great nieces and nephews. Mary was a graduate of Point Pleasant High School class of 1953.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the caregivers at Bellaire at Devonshire for their kindness, companionship and care they gave Mary. There will be a graveside service at a later date. Her burial will be at Beale Chapel Cemetery, Apple Grove, WV.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Joseph F. "Big Joe" Guilfoile, Jr.
We are filled with sadness to share the news that Joseph Francis Guilfoile, Jr., “Big Joe,” passed away in his sleep, of natural causes, on September 25, 2022.
Joe was born in Hartford, Connecticut on July 25, 1966 to Joe, Sr. and Faye Guilfoile. After family moves to West Virginia and then to Webster Groves, Missouri, Joe graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, where he was involved in several local high school theater productions throughout the area. He later attended and graduated from the Broadcast Center – St. Louis.
Joe worked as a DJ in Georgia for a few years before moving to Charleston, WV to join the V100 morning show as an on-air personality, teaming with Steve Bishop and Jenny Murray. Many Charleston listeners still remember Big Joe’s morning comedy bits and antics, and the popular weekly event that he hosted at local bars, “Working Women’s Wednesday.”
While he loved radio broadcasting, his true passion was cooking, and he dreamed of owning a sports pub that served food. He realized that dream about 12 years ago when he opened Big Joe’s Bar and Grill in downtown Charleston. Mostly self-taught, many of his recipes became local favorites, including his Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, delicious burgers, homemade potato chips with hot sauce and bleu cheese crumbles, BBQ sauces, and his 21-day brine pastrami, made the old-fashioned way. Big Joe never met a stranger, and the bar gave him the opportunity to share his big smile, wry wit and generous heart with the Charleston community.
Joe was a passionate sports fan and loved the St. Louis Cardinals, the WVU Mountaineers and the St. Louis Blues. But most of all, he loved his family, his friends and The Pittsburgh Steelers. His father brought him a Steelers jacket from a business trip to Pittsburgh when Joe was in the third grade. He wore that jacket all the time and became an ardent, lifelong fan of the team. He met with friends at the bar on football Sundays to watch the games, and usually traveled to Pittsburgh to catch a Steelers game in person each season.
Joe was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dewey and Mary Sparks, of Beckley, WV, his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Eleanor Guilfoile, of Waterbury, CT, as well as his uncles Tim, Doug and Pat Guilfoile, and his aunt, Eleanor Rose.
Joe is survived by his parents, Joe and Faye Guilfoile, and his sister, Kim Guilfoile, all of Charleston, WV. Many cousins, and several aunts and uncles, and other family members also are left to mourn his passing.
Big Joe’s family has been deeply touched and comforted by the generous outpouring of tributes, condolences and love from his many friends, customers, employees, and others in the Charleston community. We heard and read the words, “great guy,’ “he had your back,” and “gentle giant” so many times these past few days. Though we are completely heartbroken to have lost Joe far too early, we know his was a life well-lived because he touched so many in a positive way.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday September 30, 2022 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. A service to honor and celebrate Joe’s life will follow, at the funeral home, at 6:00 pm with Rev. Greg Hudson officiating.
After the service, between 7:00 and 9:00 pm, his family and friends are invited to stop by The Bridge Road Bistro in South Hills, 915 Bridge Road, Charleston, for a gathering to celebrate the life of Big Joe.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to a local charitable organization, in support of the community that Joe loved.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Antoinette Louise Susa Cappellanti
Antoinette Louise Susa Cappellanti, a former resident of Morgantown, WV, passed away on September 16, 2022 in Charleston at the age of 94.
Her parents John M. and Mary Ann Susa were eastern European immigrants who made a wonderful life for their family in Adah, Pennsylvania. She graduated from German Township High School in Pennsylvania and the Morgantown Business College in Morgantown. A diligent and hard worker, Antoinette was employed by the Monongalia Power Company as an administrative assistant to the commercial supervisor. While her husband August was stationed at Fort Sam Houston with the U.S. Army, Antoinette worked as a civilian executive assistant to the Comptroller and the Commanding Officer of the San Antonio General Depot. They returned to Morgantown in 1955, proudly raising their three daughters while she and her husband operated Cappellanti’s Grill, an iconic Morgantown establishment, until 1991. Antoinette and August traveled extensively in Europe after his retirement. After her husband died in 2004, she moved to Charleston to be near two of her daughters.
Antoinette loved traveling with her daughters and their families and was always up to trying new things, including parasailing in her 80s. She was the personification of grace and elegance. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and their friends. She was a proud and loving mother to Ellen Cappellanti (Mark Carbone), Laura Cappellanti Barber (James), and Amy Cappellanti-Wolf (Doug). She had ten grandchildren: Stephen Carbone (Erica), James Carbone (Amanda), Michael Carbone, Kristen Barber Kelly (Nick), Caitlin Barber, Kathleen Barber Eaton (Ryan), Conner Barber, Karlea Barber, Olivia Wolf, Chloe Wolf, and three great-grandchildren Ella, Ethan, and Emilia.
Antoinette is survived by her brother-in-law Robert Martino of Indiana and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, August, in 2004 and by her five sisters and three brothers.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston. A visitation for family and friends will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home on Thursday, September 22 from 6-8 pm, Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday, September 23 at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Antoinette’s honor to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 4200 Innslake Dr., Suite 301, Glen Allen, VA 23060; and Bay Area Lyme Foundation, 884 Portola Rd., Suite A7, Portola Valley, CA 94208.
Memories and condolences may be shared by going to www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting Antoinette’s obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Elma Marshall
Elma Anna Bailes Marshall,93, of Charleston passed away September 14th at CAMC Hospice Care, after a short illness. She is preceded in death by her husband, John W. Marshall, and nine brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son James Marshall and two daughters; Gail Bass Wilcher [Scott] and Cheri Schwarz. All from Charleston. She has nine grandchildren: James Marshall of Martinsburg; Andrew Marshall of Indianapolis, IN; Mary Katherine Dinger [ Eric] of Indiana, PA; Thomas Marshall of Morgantown; Richard Bass of Georgetown, KY; J. Marshall Bass [Beth] of Glasgow, Scotland; Reny Wilcher of Lewisburg; Devon Schwarz and Dylan Schell of Lexington, KY; and Gary Schwarz [Ali] of Austin, TX. She has three great grandchildren Eric and Zachary DInger and Charlotte Bass.
Elma was born on January 9, 1929. She was the youngest of ten children born to E.J. and Della Bailes of Nitro, where she grew up. She graduated from Nitro High School in 1946. Later that year she met the love of her life, John Marshall, a young Marine returning from World War II. They married in 1947. Elma worked at Monsanto for five years until the birth of her son. Two daughters followed and their family was complete. They moved to Charleston in 1960 and purchased a home, where Elma lived until her death.
Elma was an excellent cook. There was always at least one extra mouth to feed at her table. Her warm and caring nature made the Marshall home a great place for kids to hangout. Everyone was welcome. She continued to feed her grandchildren and their friends when they were in high school. She could do hamburgers and French fries at the drop of a hat. She was a Homeroom Mom, Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader and was always ready to help with her kids’ activities. She was an excellent seamstress and made most of her daughters’ formal dresses. She loved playing Bridge and belonged to several Bridge clubs. When her children were older, she worked as an office manager and bookkeeper for her husband’s company, Ted Keiffer &Co. When John passed away in 1990, she became a fulltime mother and mamaw, always willing to babysit or help with home decorating projects. She will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews as well as her immediate family.
A memorial service will be held on October 15,2022, at 3:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 2:00 until service time. Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is handling the arrangements.
Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice Care 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
Memories of Elma may be shared by visiting her obituary at Snodgrassfuneral.com.
Stevenson Law Pugh
Stevenson Law Pugh, 69, of Charleston, died on September 10, 2022, after a short illness.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Law Pugh (née Pogue) and William Allen Pugh, Sr., both of Charleston. He is fondly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Gardner Pugh; his daughter, Patricia Elizabeth Pugh, and her husband Madhur Ganesh Bedre; his beloved grandchildren, Farrah Patricia Bedre and Pushkar Stevenson Bedre; and his older brothers, William Jr. and Reid Pugh.
For decades, Steve and his wife Beth worked tirelessly to run Pugh Furniture Co., the furniture business that his grandfather established in 1917. He was very active in the community as an extension of their business and took this role very seriously. He is missed by many far outside of his extended family.
A service to Honor the Life of Stevenson will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, September 16, 2022 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Rev. Eric Milam officiating. Inurnment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park, Charleston, WV. Friends may visit beginning at 12:00 noon until service time.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation be made to the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association; https://adoptcharleston.com/index.php/give/thank-you/ or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html .
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Charles "Chuck" Martin
Charles Richard “Chuck” Martin, age 79, of Charleston, passed away Thursday September 8, 2022 at HospiceCare CAMC Memorial. He was born August 4, 1943 in Norfolk, VA, son of the late Charles Emmett Martin and Virginia Schools Martin. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Susan Fink.
Charles was a graduate of Huntington East High School, West Virginia State University (Bachelors), and Marshall University (Masters). He then served for over twenty-five years as a West Virginia State Trooper, and upon retirement as a 1st Lieutenant, taught Criminal Justice classes at Marshall University. He was an instructor at the WV State Police Academy. Charles had a love for flying and spending time with his “Lunch Bunch” friends from Mallory Airport.
Charles is survived by his daughter Kelly P. Hyre (Charles) of Winchester, VA; son, Richard Ray Martin (Tammy) of Dunbar; brother, Jerry Ray Martin (Carol) of Washington, WV; grandchildren, Sarah Huff (Bradford) of Winchester, VA and Abigail Hyre (Brian Chang) of Littleton, CO; numerous nieces and nephews.
A service to honor Charles’s life will be held at 10 am Monday September 12, 2022 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Pastor Stephen Smith officiating. Interment will follow in White Chapel Memorial Park, Barboursville, WV with Masonic graveside rites by AF&AM # 35. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Beni Kedem Temple, 100 Quarrier St. Charleston, WV 25301.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
James Kline
James Canfield Kline, 76, of Charleston, WV, passed away September 6, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a long, hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Charleston, WV. Born in Huntington, WV, on January 15, 1946, he was a son of the late John Blair and Catherine Lowe Kline. He grew up in Milton, WV, but graduated from Wayne High School in Dayton, OH, while residing there with his brother, John E. Kline. He later joined the United States Navy/United States Marine Corp where he served as a corpsman during the Vietnam Conflict. He attended Marietta College and the University of Virginia. His gregarious nature served him well in life and politics as he knew no stranger.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Reed Kline; one son, John (Mary Llewellyn) Kline; four grandchildren, Olivia and Hunter Kline, and Westbrook and Llandis Cox, all of Charlotte, NC; one brother, John E. Kline of Indianapolis, IN; sister-in-law, Julia Reed (Arthur) Huff, Franklin, PA; brothers-in-law, Walter “Tom” (Terri) Reed, Lexington, SC; Paul (Brenda) Reed, Newport, OH; and Tim (Kim) Reed, Oil City, PA; his mother-in-law, Joan Reed, Oil City, PA; six nieces, Marian Nicholas (Casey) Couch, Ooltewah, TN; Lisa Kline Price (Matt Weinger), Nashville, TN; Cynthia Kline (Tom) Corbett, Indianapolis, IN; Erica (Zach) Pierce, Belmont, WV; Ashley (Brian) Hess, Lexington, SC; and Chelsea (Shea) Johnson, VA; three Nephews, Danny (Amy) Reed, St. Marys, WV; Quinton (Hanna) Reed, Pittsburgh, PA; and Alex Huff, Franklin, PA; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Lou Kline Busch; his niece, Marilyn “Susie” Nicholas Edwards; his father-in-law, Walter L. Reed; and a nephew Bradley T. Reed.
The family would like to especially thank his caregivers Kanawha Hospice, Visiting Angels, and Barbara B., as well as their friend Teresa Cisco for the loving care that was provided to James.
A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Charleston; the Parkinson’s Foundation; or to Kanawha Hospice.
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Michael Lee Sisson
Michael Lee Sisson, 64, of Charleston, WV, passed into eternity on Thursday, September 1, 2022, while at the Hubbard Hospice House. He was predeceased by his parents, Stan and Roberta Sisson; his sister, Kelley; and his son, Jeffrey Sisson.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Amy, to whom he was utterly devoted; and by his sons, Jeremy (Tanya) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, and Brett (Jenny) of Myrtle Beach, SC, of whom he was enormously proud. In addition, Mike is survived by his brother, Steve (Debbie) of Ripley, WV; grandchildren Mackenzie, Layla, Ellie Jo, Boots, and Caleb; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws; a host of beloved friends; and his faithful companion, Shadow.
Born on March 13, 1958, he spent his childhood in St. Albans, WV, where he began what would become lifelong friendships with classmates and neighbors. A 1976 graduation of St. Albans High School, Mike attended Marshall University. In 1980, he entered the WV State Police Academy and joined the St. Albans Police Department. Later, he began an association with Union Carbide, working first as a security guard and then becoming a lab technician. In 2012, Mike became a candidate for Kanawha County magistrate and was honored as the top vote-getter in the election. He was re-elected in 2016 and held the position until his passing. Mike served as an Elder and drama team leader at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Charleston. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the St. Albans Moose Lodge, and among his favorite pastimes were playing golf, playing poker—and playing good-natured pranks on unsuspecting friends and family. Some of his favorite memories involved his bowling buddies from Venture Lanes. Mike was an avid fan of the music of Johnny Cash, and his karaoke version of “A Boy Named Sue” remains unsurpassed. He was also a charter member of The Greater Avian Society of the Kanawha Valley and Kenna. Mike was a fiercely loyal friend, and he inspired such loyalty in return.
In 1991, Mike married his soulmate, Amy Booten, and the two embarked upon a thirty-one year love affair that featured constant adventures, including many cruises, tours of foreign countries, and various other hijinks and capers. He treasured her.
A Service to honor Mike’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday September 7, 2022 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Charleston, with Rev. Frank Ruffatto officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time at the church.
For those wishing to make a donation in Mike’s memory are asked to consider a contribution to HospiceCare at HospiceCareWV.org or to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association at adoptcharleston.com.
Mike’s family would like to thank the staffs of CAMC General ICU and of Hubbard Hospice House for the excellent care Mike received during the most recent phase of his illness; and the kind staff of Snodgrass Funeral Home, for their compassion and guidance during this difficult time.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting his obituary.
Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Diana Gail Garnett
Diana G. Garnett, 78, of Milton went home to be with her LORD, after a long illness.
The daughter of the late Ralph and Mable Nelson of Lincoln County. She graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1961 and spent 30 years of combined service between C&P Telephone Company and Bell Atlantic before retiring in 1992.
Diana is survived by her husband of 59 years, Edward Garnett, Jr. Together they had one daughter, Kelly Casto; and one son, Edward III. She was the grandmother to nine grandchildren, seven boys and three girls, and the great-grandmother to two girls and one boy. She is also survived by her two sisters, Jo Hale and Kim Coleman; brother, Nick Nelson.
Along with her parents, Diana is proceeded in death by her brother, Rodney Nelson.
There will be a service to honor the life of Diana Gail Garnett on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 1:00pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior starting at 12:00pm at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.