Obituary of Martin Matteo Joseph Biafora

Martin Biafora, age 94, of Morgantown, WV, passed away peacefully at home October 6th, 2023. Martin was born in Morgantown, WV on March 30th, 1929, the son of the late Joseph Biafora and the late Rosa (Bilotta) Biafora. He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1947. He attended WVU, while working in his father's business, Biafora and Sons. In 1951 he was drafted into the army to serve in the Korean War for 2 years. On May 30th, 1957, Martin married the love of his life, Ilene Panetta of Belington, WV. In addition to his parents, Martin is proceeded in death by his sister Mary (Biafora) Callen and brother Frank Biafora. Martin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ilene (Panetta) Biafora; his children Marty (Cheryl) Biafora, Rick (Michelle) Biafora, David (Patricia) Biafora and Anna Marie Biafora Stephens Hawkins, all of Morgantown; his grandchildren Lauren (Kyle) Ritchie, Alex (Johnna) Biafora, Marka (John) Staley, Lena (Joseph) Horrigan, Morgan (Scott) Simonetti, Ricky (Amelia) Biafora, Mateo Biafora and Joseph Biafora; and his great-grandchildren, Patrick, Amelia, Vivienne, Oliver, August, Carlo, Giavanna, Guinevere, Salvatore, and Brinley. As the son of an Italian immigrant, Martin will be remembered for his strong work ethic which he instilled in his children, just like his father instilled in him. Even during some challenging economic and cultural times, he was able to take his father's working man's store and expand it into the very successful Biafora's Clothing. He also owned apartment and commercial rentals. His passion and dedication to his work is what helped him realize the American Dream. Work wasn't all he loved to do. He enjoyed sports cars and traveling the world with Ilene and friends. When his children were young, he spent every weekend taking his family snow skiing in the winter and boating on Cheat Lake in the summer, a tradition and passion he passed down to his kids and grandkids. Later in life, he learned to play golf which eventually influenced his decision to take a well-deserved early retirement to Florida. There he enjoyed golfing almost daily until he was no longer physically able to play. Martin's grandkids will always remember the amusing stories he told of his many adventures and the few shenanigans during his younger years. As he would tell his stories with the mischievous yet playful look in his eyes, it was obvious the apples didn't fall far from the tree. But the most important thing Martin will be remembered for is his deep love of family, and the many sacrifices he made for each of them. He will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Ray Heldreth, for his strong compassion and exceptional care for Martin over the past 6 years. Friends and family will be received at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, on Sunday, October 15, from 2PM until 6PM, and again on Monday, October 16, from 10AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM, with Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, STD, as celebrant. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Peace Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Ursula's Food Pantry & Outreach PO Box 18, Pursglove, WV 26546, or Christian Help, 219 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505.