Tony Roger DeMotto

Tony Roger DeMotto, age 92 years, a resident of Coalton, WV, peacefully departed this life before the break of dawn on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Colonial Place in Elkins. He had been in declining health in recent months. He was the child of Italian immigrants who came to America for the opportunity of a better life, as were many of his generation who grew up in Coalton. The youngest of 11 siblings, Tony was born on Thursday, September 18, 1924 at Coalton, WV, a son of the late Andrea D'amato and Bambino Mastrogiuseppe D'amato. On May 22, 1948 at Coalton, WV, he was married to the late Jessie Lucille Roberson DeMotto. Surviving are two sons, Mark Andrew DeMotto and wife Lisa of Elkins and Matthew Anthony DeMotto and wife Stacey of Bridgeport. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Dr. Andrew Steven DeMotto of Pinetop, AZ, Ashley Lynn DeMotto of Roseville, MI, Carson Matthew DeMotto and Quinn Anthony DeMotto both of Bridgeport. Also surviving is a special niece raised in Mr. DeMotto's home, Doris George, and husband Roger and their son Chris, all of Elkins, and several other nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were seven brothers: Joe DeMotto, James DeMotto, Gus (Sunday) DeMotto, Antonio DeMotto, Andy DeMotto, Fred DeMotto and Carlo DeMotto and three sisters: Mini Vince, Helen Rossi and Amelia Reilly. He attended the schools of Coalton. Enlisting in the Army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he trained at Camp Rucker, AL. He was a foot soldier in the 35th Infantry Division of 3rd Army under the supreme command of General George S. Patton. The division landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Invasion of France. Immediately entering combat, Mr. DeMotto fought north of St. Lo France, in hedgerow country. The 35th moved across France via Orleans and Sens and captured Nancy, France. Continuing on to Germany and while being relieved for R & R, they were rushed back into battle at Arlon, Belgium to repulse German attacks in what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. The division fought their way across the Roer, then reaching the Rhine. They continued to the Ruhr and on to Elbe Rivers and then Hanover before the war ended. Mr. DeMotto was honored to have served and always remembered his fellow soldiers, especially those who never made it back. The war had a profound impact on what he became and the manner in which he lived his life. While proud of his service, he would be the first to say, "War is hell" and should be a last resort. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious achievement in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations for the campaigns of Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. After an Honorable Discharge, Mr. DeMotto became a shovel operator for the DeMotto Pearless Coal Company. In 1957, he became a Harley Davidson Motorcycle dealer located in Harding and then Norton, WV. Eventually, he and his wife Jessie became the owners and operators of DeMotto Honda and Harley Davidson located in Crystal Springs near Elkins. With a strong work ethic and good timing, they built their business into a success, winning many dealer awards along the way. In 1972, they sold more Honda Trail 90's than any dealer in the world, earning Mr. DeMotto an invitation to Tokyo, Japan to meet Mr. Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Company. He was a loyal member of Saint Patrick's Catholic Church at Coalton, attending regularly until declining health moved him to Colonial Place in Elkins to be with his wife Jessie before her passing in January of 2013 and then to Brookdale Maplewood assisted living in Bridgeport, WV. His final stop was back at Colonial Place to be nearer his home as the sun began to set on a life well lived. He will be remembered by his family as a man who preferred work to play, but knew how to play. He was a straight shooter who rarely held back, but who also had a kind heart for those in need, and especially children. In addition, he took great pride in his Italian heritage but was an American first. He loved his parents, children, and grandchildren and understood how fortunate he was to have been married to his bride of 65 years whom he dearly missed. He mostly enjoyed the simple things: a nice truck, a beer, mowing grass, and restoring the park in Coalton. He enjoyed his back porch, fried potatoes and peppers, ramps, and his garden. He also enjoyed a good battle. The family is grateful to both the Colonial Place in Elkins and Brookdale Maplewood in Bridgeport. Both assisted living facilities provided great comfort, care, and supervision around the clock. The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins on Monday from 5 to 7 PM. On Monday evening at 7 PM at the funeral home, a wake service will be recited. On Tuesday morning, April 18, 2017, Mr. DeMotto will be moved to the Saint Patrick's Catholic Church at Coalton, WV where the Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM. The Rev. Father Timothy J. Grassi will be the Presider and interment will follow at the Saint Brendan Cemetery at Elkins, WV, where full military honors will be accorded by members of the WV National Guard Honor Guard Program, the H. W. Daniels Post # 29, American Legion and the Tygarts Valley Post # 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Mountain Hospice, 1002 South Crim Avenue, Belington, WV 26250. Click Here to View a Video Tribute