Joseph Facello, 83 of St. Clairsville, Ohio died Tuesday, June 13, 2006 in Wheeling Hospital.

Joe was born at Welch, West Virginia on September 28, 1922 the son of Frank and Olivine Lovelace Facello.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother; Dean Facello and two sisters; Lola Mae Arthur and Elisabeth Jenks.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Ann Patsey Facello; a son, Joseph F. Facello and his wife, Debra Sue Facello; twin daughters, Anita Facello Lucarelli and Kathy Facello all of St. Clairsville; four grandchildren, Gina and Anthony Lucarelli, Carey and Megan Facello; sisters, Kathleen Mitchell, Lena Bowen, Francis Campbell, Angie Lister and sister-in-law Neal Facello.

Most of Joe?s working career was devoted to coal mine safety. As a ventilation expert with the Mine Safety and Health Administration he helped develop many of the ventilation criteria that were incorporated in the 1969 Mine Act passed by the United States Congress. He later became an inspection supervisor and retired in 1983. For the next 22 years he and his wife Ann enjoyed their retirement in activities with their family during the summer months while spending the winter months in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Joe was also a member of Belmont Lodge #16 of Masons, VFW Post 5356, American Legion Post 159 and St. Mary?s Catholic Church all of St. Clairsville.

Joe was a member of "the greatest generation". One of those who served their country admirably during World War II. He was in Pearl Harbor on the day it was bombed serving as a member of the United States Marine Corp?s 1st Division Fleet Marines. He was part of the first invasion force that took the island of Guadalcanal. He spent a total of 4 years in the South Pacific participating in many of the campaigns fought throughout the Marshall and Solomon Island groups. In honor of Joe?s strong belief in his country and the service he rendered, arrangements have been made by Ms. Linda Weyman, sister-in-law of Joe?s son, to have the Stars and Stripes flown at half mast over the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The flag will later be presented to his wife Ann.

Friends will be received at the Toothman Funeral Home, St. Clairsville on Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a vigil service at 3 p.m. and Masonic services at 7 p.m. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary?s Church. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville where the Belmont Co. Council of the VFW will conduct full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary?s Church, 212 W. Main Street, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.