Matteo V. Magnone

Matteo V. Magnone, 60, of Weirton, died Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at UPMC after a brief bout with lung cancer. He was a renowned Weirton athlete who was a 2-time state wrestling champion for Weir in the unlimited weight class in 1966 and 1967 under Coach Carl Fodor. He went on to play football at Salem College under Ed Pastilong. While at Weir, Matteo was named honorable mention high school All-American in football as a lineman. In addition to his parents, William and Maria Magnone, Matteo was preceded in death by his wife, Alice. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Mary, as well as his son, Bill, who is Weir's baseball coach, his daughter-in-law, Faith, who is Weir's cheering coach and the joy of his life, his granddaughter, Emma'lee Magnone. Also surviving is his brother Albert (Caroline) of Weirton and sister Linda Bruno of Lancaster, Ohio. Surviving nephews include Vince, Antonio and Angelo Magnone and Robert, Michael and Joey Bruno. Also surviving is his longtime companion, Debbie Schwertfeger. Matteo loved to fish and hunt at his cabin in Canaan Valley with his childhood and college friends. He also loved to make sopressatta, olives and pepper paste and was known for his excellence in making smoked meats and pork and providing fantastic 4th of July get-togethers for friends and family. Matteo owned BILMAR Construction for over 20 years and his masonry work can be found in numerous buildings in the tri-state area. Matteo was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church. Visitation will be held Thursday 6-8PM and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Saturday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church with The Reverend Father Dean Borgmeyer officiating.