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William Robert Boyle
89, of Patterson, NJ passed away on December 15, 2021 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne, their five children Debbie (Boyle) Young, Robert Boyle, Julie Summers, Susan Summers and Elizabeth (Boyle) Asnip and nine grandchildren. After serving in the Airforce, he first completed a master’s in nuclear engineering and later a PhD in chemical engineering at WVU. He went on to become a professor and Associate Dean of Engineering. One of his many contributions at WVU was working on the invention team for the Personal Rapid Transit.
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Joel Burdette
23, of Parkersburg passed away in an accident on Oct. 6, 2023. Burdette was a 2018 graduate of Ripley High School, where he played soccer and ran track. He graduated with honors from West Virginia University with a Chemical Engineering Degree and a Biomedical Engineering Certificate. Burdette is survived by his parents, Julie Patterson Burdette and Alex Buchanan; his wife, Mikala Brooke Burdette; his three siblings Nick Burdette, Brittaney Steele and his twin brother Jacob Burdette; two nephews Grayson Burdette and Colson Steele; and his paternal grandmother Rebecca Burdette. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Everette and Izetta Patterson; his paternal grandfather Carroll Burdette; his paternal grandmother Virginia "Grandma Parrot" Burdette; and his two fur babies that passed away with him, Winston and Rosco.
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Frank Cerminara
74, of Naples, FL and Hershey, PA passed on August 5, 2023. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from WVU in 1970 and earned an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania. He had a prestigious career at The Hershey Company for over 30 years and retired as Chief Financial Officer. In 2004, Institutional Investor Magazine named Frank among America's Best CFO's. Frank met his wife, Susan, at WVU. In addition to all of his contributions and accomplishments, he will always be remembered for his focus on family, relationships and mentorship.
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Danny Ray Cutlip
52, of Webster Springs, passed away on August 2, 2023. Cutlip earned master's degrees in engineering and leadership from WVU and Marshall. Cutlip was a dedicated English teacher at his alma mater Webster County High School, where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2009. Cutlip is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Cutlip; brothers Michael Cutlip, Warren Cutlip, and Scott Casteel; sisters Brittany Postlewait, Mary Kinsey and Holly Clark; and stepmother, Peggy Cutlip.
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Joseph Calvin Dorton
83, of Glen Jean, passed away after battling Parkinson’s disease for many years. Dorton began working for WVU Mining Extension in 1970 and retired as a professor. He was part of a team to write the electrical certification and testing for underground mines. WVU delegated him to six different states to provide instruction to coal miners, operators and providers to meet standards of electrical certification, testing, and safety while working underground. Dorton is survived by his beloved wife Karen and his children, Stacia and Christopher.
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Paul Hanko
78, of Crucible, PA passed away after a health decline on June 2, 2023. Hanko earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from WVU in 1971. Living in Morgantown, he received his professional engineering license in 1976. Hanko worked for the West Virginia Department of Transportation and WVU Facilities Management, where he led projects renovating the Coliseum, Wise Library, building of the Student Recreation Center and the “Flying WV” water tower. Hanko is survived by his wife Kathy of 52 years; Sarah and her husband, Ed McKinney, their children Isaac, Brigid and Eve; Ben, his wife Michelle, and their children, Kaitlyn, Mason and Michael.
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David Frederick Johnston
69, of Virginia Beach and formerly Weston, died unexpectedly on August 11, 2023. Johnston graduated with a bachelor's in electrical engineering from WVU in 1976 and later earned his P.E. license. He also earned his MBA from William & Mary. He had a successful and diverse career in engineering and telecommunications. He is survived by his wife Beth Hymes and his son Spencer; cousin Don Markley and wife Becky.
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Larry Donovan Luttrell
89, of Morgantown, passed away on June 27, 2023. Luttrell was a professional engineer and a professor of structural engineering at West Virginia University. He received numerous accolades and awards during his 33-year tenure at WVU. He was a highly regarded member of the Steel Deck Institute, and his groundbreaking work revolutionized the steel deck industry. He mentored many engineers, including his students and his fellow professionals around the world. He was married to Fern Luttrell and had two children. His daughter, Michele Daniell, passed away before him. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Grider, his son, Charlie Luttrell, and his grandsons, Benjamin Daniell and Joshua Daniell.
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Julian Weldon Martin
87, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully in hospice care on March 24, 2023. Martin earned a bachelor’s in chemical engineering in 1959. He remained an avid Mountaineer fan his entire life. He worked in the chemical industry as a rocket scientist in the area of propellant development. Martin was West Virginia’s first Peace Corps representative. On his return from Africa, he served as the first full-time Foreign Student Advisor at West Virginia University from 1964-66. While in this role, he helped integrate the barbershops in Morgantown. After coming home to West Virginia, he returned to teaching full time. He taught a combination of physical science chemistry, and physics at Duval High School from 1977-1998. In retirement, he increased his focus on preserving the natural beauty of West Virginia. He was devoted to preserving clean air, water and the mountains of our state. Julian was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Ellen Wilson. He is survived by the mothers of his children, Linda Martin, and Joyce Crews. He was a loving, devoted father. He is survived by his children Bess McKay, Jeff Pellegrin, Elizabeth Pellegrin, Luke Martin and his sisters Mary Martin, Lou Ann Martin-Rogers and Melanie Hickerson.
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Elizabeth Ann O’Leary
19, passed away on April 16, 2023. O’Leary was born March 25, 2004 in Charleston, and was a life-long resident of Nitro. Academically talented from a very young age, she was a 2022 graduate of Nitro High School where she stood out as Salutatorian and second in her class. Most recently she was a pre-engineering freshman at West Virginia University. O’Leary was a beautiful, spirited young woman who was known to be a devoted daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend. O’Leary was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Brendan Patrick O’Leary and Angi Joyce O’Leary. She is survived by parents, Michael Brendan O’Leary, Brigitte Ann Ailes O’Leary; brothers Nathaniel O’Leary and Benjamin O’Leary. Also, maternal grandparents Julie Roth (Charles), and John Ailes, Jr.; uncles and aunts, Casey O’Leary, Maureen Balding, Tony O’Leary and a host of loving cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to a scholarship which is being established in Elizabeth’s memory. Please send to The Elizabeth O’Leary Scholarship Fund c/o Nitro High School, 1300 Park Ave., Nitro, WV 25143.
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Terry Stab
66, of Warner Robins, GA and formerly Wheeling, passed away after a battle with cancer on July 28, 2023. Stab earned his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from WVU. Shortly after, he moved to Warner Robins, GA to work for the Army Corps of Engineers at Robins Airforce Base where he enjoyed working until his retirement. He is survived by his loving wife Donna, their son Ryan and grandson Graeme Terrance along with his mother Patricia Stab.