Helen Julia Pitotti

Helen Julia (Granila) Pitotti, 95, of Beckley, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at her residence following a long illness. Born February 14, 1918 at Gary, WV, she was the daughter of the late John Granila and Elizabeth Markovics Granila Somody. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Dario Pitotti and a sister, Irene Andrighetti.
Helen attended schools in McDowell Co. and graduated from Welch High School. She attended Bowling Green College of Commerce. She came to Beckley from McDowell County in 1937. Helen was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where she served on the Parish Council. She was a past Grand Regent of Catholic Daughters of America #741, first secretary for St. Francis de Sales Catholic School PTO, member of Golden Agers at St. Francis and a past member of Beckley Professional Business Women’s Club. Helen was employed as secretary and office clerk with Koppers Coal Co. at Helen, WV and Eastern Gas and Fuel Co. as secretary to the general superintendent, Glen White, WV. She was later employed in the accounting office of Higgins and Gorman and R.L. Persinger & Co. retiring in 1987 after 18 years.
Survivors include her children, Elizabeth Pitotti Wallen of Beckley, Col. Stephen J. Pioitti and wife Sarah of Dumfries, VA, Laura Pitotti Johnson and husband Mark of Bloomington, IL, Margaret Pitotti of Springfield, VA and Thomas D. Pitotti and wife Mary Frances of Winchester, VA; grandchildren, William Elliott, L.T. Elliott, Jr., Christopher Pitotti, Aaron Johnson, Melissa Pitotti, Stephanie Williams, Laura Susan Weaver, Jennifer, Emily and Christine Pitotti, Alexandra (Allie) Johnson Browning; great-grandchildren, Taylor Lord, Oliver Pitotti, Sophia Johnson, Cameron and Hudson Elliott, Addison and Avery Weaver and Noah Ryan.
A funeral liturgy will be recited at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Monsignor Samuel Sacus officiating. A rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Calfee Funeral Home where a rosary will be recited at 7:45 p.m. led by Rev. Mr. Don Wise.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 614 S. Oakwood Ave., Beckley, WV 25801 or to Hospice of Southern WV, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802.
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.