Obituary of Tony Thomas Barill

Tony T Barill, 89, of Star City, died suddenly Monday, July 25, 2016 at his home with his daughter by his side. A lifelong resident of Star City, Tony was born on June 17, 1927; the sixth of nine children to Beatrice Christian Barill and Simon Barill. He was born in a house “over the hill” on Boyers avenue and lived there until his family moved to their home on Broadway Ave when he was a young boy. As with many other Italian families who settled in WV, Tony’s ancestors came from the city of San Giovanni in Fiore, of the Calabria region of Italy. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed telling stories about his close knit, hardworking family of eight brothers and one sister. Tony completed tenth grade at Morgantown High School before leaving school at age 16 to help support his family by working in the glass factories. His long and accomplished career as a master glassblower, craftsman and educator started at Seneca Glass. In 1945, Tony began working at Davis and Lynch Glass factory, where he stayed for the remainder of his 60 year career. He started as a “carry in boy”, and worked his way up to “gathering”, then “blocking” then to “blowing” glass. He was a glass blower for 20 years before accepting the position of foreman of the blow room in 1968; a position he held until his retirement. He took great pride in teaching young workers the art of glass blowing. His work ethic was unmatched and he treated all of his workers equally and with respect. Glass blowing was more than a career for Tony; it was part of his very being. He loved sharing his stories and knowledge about glass until the last days of his life. Tony loved Star City and resided there for his entire 89 years. He served on town council for four years, from 1962 to 1965 and was pleased to have assisted with the original street paving for Star City and the purchase of the towns first garbage truck. In later years, when his wife, Edith, was Mayor of Star City (1989-2001), he was a great support for her in the decisions of the city due to his extensive knowledge of the history of Star City; the town policies; and in general how the town operated. He loved accompanying Edith on her out of town meetings and workshops throughout the state and enjoyed being a part of the political process. He was a card carrying Democrat but always voted for the best person for the office, regardless of party affliation. In his younger years, he was a good athlete, playing football and baseball in community games. He loved sports of all kinds but particularly WVU football games, which he attended without miss, for over 50 years. His knowledge of WVU football was legendary to anyone who knew Tony. He was raised Catholic but converted to the Protestant faith when he married Edith. He was a longtime member of Star City United Methodist Church and took pride in cooking breakfasts in the church kitchen for the many events held there and lending his expertise to any remodeling/building projects of the church. When the church closed, he attended Drummond Chapel UMC. In the last years of his life, as he needed assistance, he attended Wesley UMC with his daughter. He loved his family deeply, having a wonderfully close relationship with his daughter, Debby and son in law Dave; who was like a son to him. But the light of his life was his grandson, Ben; who he helped to raise and who he adored. He was thrilled when Ben married Maggie and added another bright light to his family. Tony never missed a practice, ballgame, concert or any other event in his grandson’s life. He and Ben were able to spend five wonderful days together in the last week of Tony’s life. Tony is survived by his daughter, Debby Lauffer Champe; son in law Dave Champe; grandson Ben Lauffer and daughter in law Maggie Heaps Lauffer; brother Carl (Margie) Barill and sister Mary Catherine (Jim) Utt; sister in laws Mary Ann and Philomena Barill and brother in law Amos Tillis; along with 26 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his son in laws parents, Senior and Barbara Champe and his extra grandson and daughter in law David James and Lauren Champe. He is also survived by his friends, Moose Casino; Alice, Mary Jane, Tommy, and Sonny. Also survived by Debby’s friends, Ellen and Connie (who he thought of as daughters); , Patti, Cathy, Johanna and Brenda who spent much time with Tony over the years; and many of Ben’s friends who called him “Pappy” and thought of him as an extra grandfather. Not to forget his grand dog Jules who made him laugh. Tony is preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Jo, in 1969 and his wife Edith B Barill in 2001. Brothers Joe, Johnny, Petey, Frank, Sammy and Patsy Barill; and many sisters in laws. According to his wishes, he will be cremated. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, August 6 at 11am at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Flannigan presiding. An hour of informal fellowship will precede the service starting at 10am. Family and friends are encouraged to share a favorite memory of Tony during the service. In lieu of flowers, if desired, please make donations to: Town of Star City, Edith B Barill Riverfront Park Upgrade, 370 Broadway Ave, Star City, WV 26505 Hastings Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.