Glen Goto

Glen Goto, age 73, of Beech Bottom, West Virginia, peacefully passed away on October 11, 2025. Glen was a vibrant, joy-filled soul who believed deeply in the power of choosing and creating happiness and who brought spontaneity, laughter and light to every encounter. Born on January 18, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Glen developed an early love for storytelling, entertaining, and adventure. As a young man, he discovered a gift for magic and illusion, eventually becoming a member at the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood-the country's epicenter for magician training. That passion for creating wonder and personal connection never left him. Glen's natural charisma and showmanship led him to a successful career in hospitality, bringing a bit of magic everywhere he went-from Colorado and Hawaii to Florida, Nevada, Maryland, and finally West Virginia. Whether managing a large-scale event or simply greeting a guest, Glen had an extraordinary way of making everyone feel special. To him, strangers were just friends he hadn't met yet, and friends were treated like family. Those lucky enough to attend his Maui parties in his younger years can attest-he knew how to make everyone feel like a VIP (though an actual VIP or two were known to attend those parties as well). Most recently, Glen served as the Food and Beverage Supervisor at The Pointe Sea and Steak Restaurant at Wheeling Island Casino where he was adored by coworkers and customer friends from around the country. Glen's greatest joy was sharing laughter with those he loved and his signature complimentary close in every email, text, and letter was "Make it a great day", which embodied his belief that we all have the ability to choose happiness. At the age of 49, Glen met the love of his life, Kerry (Brooks) Goto, whom he lovingly called his "gorgeous Sparky." Despite the hundreds of miles that separated them at first, their connection was undeniable. Over the following 24 years, they built a life rooted in love, resilience, and mutual care-weathering years of joy, hardships, and Glen's later health struggles side by side. With Kerry's devoted support and care-giving, Glen bravely faced and bested many health challenges over the past 6 years. In addition to his wife and his stepdaughter Bethany, Glen is survived by his beloved daughter, Jennielee Majewski (Eric), and 3 grandchildren, Genevieve, Buddy (Eric II) and Elaina, and his loving sister, Paulette Marquart (Rick). Glen was preceded in death by his father, Takaji J. Goto, mother, June M. Goto, and his two brothers Gary and Donald Goto. A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for December 7, 2025, in Wheeling, WV. Details to follow. Glen's family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Valley Hospice Liza's Place in Wheeling, WV.