Joseph "Hack" Retton

Joseph "Hack" Retton, 82, of Fairmont, formerly of Grant Town, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday (Jan. 28, 2010).Hack was born in Fairmont, Dec. 31, 1927, at Cook Hospital, the son of the late Patsy and Chiara Torcassi Retton. Hack spent most of his life in his beloved hometown, Grant Town. Having graduated from Fairview High School in 1946, he spent a short time playing basketball at Glenville State College before returning home to begin working at Federal No. 1 Mine at Grant Town where he remained until the mine closed in 1986. He was among the last few miners to leave the mine.Hack was a combat veteran of the Korean Conflict having served with the 1st Calvary 7th Infantry Regiment and was wounded in battle at Yongchon, North Korea. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.Hack remained active in sports for most of his life, becoming involved in officiating and youth sports. In his younger years, he played sandlot baseball for the Grant Town Cubs. He coached Grant Town Little League Baseball for a number of years and helped to establish the first Fairview Pop Warner football teams.He was an active member of the United Mine Workers of America, Local 4047, in Grant Town and served as local president in recent years.He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Grant Town and was a Grant Town councilman for over 27 years. Hack was a good and gentle man, as well as a loving father, husband, and grandfather. He was always the first to show up when help was needed and the last to leave. His passing will leave a tremendous void in the lives of his family and friends. If you've ever met him, he was your friend. He is survived by his wife, Judith Costello Retton, whom he married June 29, 1957; three sons, Pat Retton (Laura) of Rivesville, Michael A. Retton (Linda), and Allen D. Retton (Joni), both of Fairmont; eight grandchildren, Bethany Retton, Patrick J. Retton II, Trevor Retton, Lauren Retton, Andrew Retton, Tommy Retton, Kelly Cain and Michael Bond. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Etta and Eugene LeDonne; sisters-in-law, Mary Lois Retton, Arlene Sutherland, Laurelle (Lee) Hustead, Linda (Gary) Poling and Carrie Costello; a step-brother, John Morrone, and step-sister, Violetta "Ging" Straight; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank J. "Sneezy" (Carmella) Retton and Sammy M. "Tally" Retton; sisters and brothers-in-law, Angelina (Sam) Retton, Theresa (Bill) Mason, Ross Egress, Violet "Dee-Dee" (Buddy) Howvalt and Gina "Jenny" (Jimmy) Mazza; two step-brothers, Umberto and Leonard Morrone; and three step-sisters, Molly Bryan, Adeline McFardland, and Sue Toothman. Friend and family may call at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watson with Father John Mulcahy as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt.Carmel cemetery.The Marion County Veterans will conduct full military rites at gravesite.The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Barbara's Nursing Home, Tender Loving Care Hospice, and Mrs. Karen Carr for her loving care.