Anthony J. Scaffidi
SCAFFIDI, Anthony J., 81, of Benwood, WV, died Sunday, March 29, 2009 in Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Glen Dale WV.
He was born August 21, 1927 in Benwood, a son of the late Alfonso and Rosaria Giardina Scaffidi. Tony graduated from Union High School in 1944. He retired from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1988 after 44 years as chief clerk in the Benwood office. Numerous community organizations have been the beneficiaries of Tony's devoted efforts. He began his career of service to his beloved City of Benwood in 1952, spanning a total of more than 40 years as councilman and mayor. During his 36 year tenure as mayor, Benwood's youngsters were the recipients of playgrounds, a city park and pool. Additionally, Tony worked tirelessly to procure funds for a new water system, new sewer lines, and the North Benwood business district. One of his proudest accomplishments, however, was the construction of the flood wall in Center Benwood. Mayor Scaffidi, or "The Mayor", as he is affectionately referred, was involved in the purchase of the Marshall County Senior Center in Moundsville, and was instrumental in the purchase of the building for the creation of a Senior Center in Cameron as well. He was presented with the Distinguished West Virginian Award for his work as director of the WV Commission on Aging by Gov. Caperton. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of McMechen for 15 years; the Ohio Valley Rapid Transit Authority Board; Belmont-Ohio-Marshall County Regional Authority for Urban Development; the Benwood-McMechen Library; served as a volunteer tax assistant; a Boy Scout Leader; a member of the Benwood Lions Club where he was past president and Lion of the Year; he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce. A devoutly religious man, Tony was a life-long member of St. John Catholic Church in Benwood where he was chairman of countless street fairs, the church's Centennial celebration, member of the school board, parish finance council and Holy Name Society. He was a 50 year member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, and the Knights of St. George. Proud of his Italian heritage, Tony was a member of the Sons of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge, and has served on the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival Board for 23 years. In 1993, he was honored as the Festival's Outstanding Italian American of the Year. Tony always said," I've had a good life. People have been good to me."
Perhaps it's better said he's been good to the people.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Scaffidi; a sister, Sarah Novick; twin granddaughters, Holly and Jennifer Robbins.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 55 years, Emilia Costantini Scaffidi; a son, Michael (Jackie) Scaffidi of Martinsville, VA; three daughters, Mary Rose (Mark) Robbins of Glen Dale, WV, Antonia (Marion "Bingie") Bulian of Glen Dale, and Anna Marie (Glen) Williams of Columbus, OH; eleven grandchildren, Stacie (Jeff) Laudermilt of Wheeling, Jeffrey Robbins of Moundsville, Allison Bulian of Alexandria, VA, Daniel Bulian and Katie Bulian, both of Glen Dale, Sean Scaffidi and Joseph Scaffidi, both of Martinsville, VA, Christopher Williams, Courtney Williams, Lauren Williams and Joshua Williams, all of Columbus; several nieces and nephews.
Friends received at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Benwood-McMechen Chapel, 214 Marshall St. McMechen, WV, on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 from 2 9 p.m. where Vigil services will be held at 4 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Catholic Church in Benwood on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Joseph J. Hayden as celebrant.
Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, where the Moundsville Honor Guard will conduct military graveside services. Memorial contributions may be made to St John Church, Benwood WV (Renovation Fund).
Online condolences may be expressed at www.altmeyer.com.
