SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 7
(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President, Bailey, Boley, Bowman,
Caldwell, Chafin, Deem, Dempsey, Edgell, Facemyer, Fanning, Guills,
Harrison, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins, Kessler, Love, McCabe,
McKenzie, Minard, Minear, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Ross, Rowe,
Sharpe, Smith, Snyder, Sprouse, Unger, Weeks and White)
Memorializing the life of the Honorable Tony DeRaimo, former coal
miner, union official, civic leader, Sergeant at Arms of the
West Virginia Senate and distinguished West Virginian.
Whereas, Tony DeRaimo was born August 22, 1915, at Wilkinson,
Logan County, the son of Vincenzo Jim and Rosa DeRaimo; and
Whereas, At the age of 16, Tony DeRaimo began working for
Carbon Fuel Coal Company and continued to work in the coal mines
for 44 years, until his retirement in 1976; and
Whereas, On July 30, 1934, Tony DeRaimo wed his beloved wife
Freda Stanley DeRaimo, with whom he shared the joy of having one
daughter, Laura DeRaimo Fuller and one son, James DeRaimo; and
Whereas, Sadly, after 53 years of marriage, Freda Stanley
DeRaimo passed away on March 29, 1988; and
Whereas, Tony DeRaimo was a strong advocate for the working
rights of those who worked in the coal mines of West Virginia. He
served his fellow workers for 60 years as a local union officer and
for 70 years as an activist for the United Mine Workers of America; and
Whereas, Tony DeRaimo also took an interest in his community.
He was not only instrumental in the development of the Decota-
Grizzell Athletic Association, which was established in 1948, but
also served as its president. The Association provided sports
equipment and facilities for adults and children; and
Whereas, Tony DeRaimo was involved in the establishment,
design and construction of the Cabin Creek Health Clinic in Dawes,
West Virginia. He served as a board member and treasurer of the
Clinic, which still continues to provide health services to
residents of the Cabin Creek community; and
Whereas, Tony DeRaimo was also involved in numerous other
community-related clubs and organizations, including the Marmet
Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts of America, Explorer Scouts, Moose
Legion 123 and Moose Lodge 1444; and
Whereas, In 1981, Tony DeRaimo's interest in politics and the
legislative process led to his employment in the West Virginia
Senate as an assistant to the Sergeant at Arms; and
Whereas, In 1995, the Honorable Tony DeRaimo was elected the
48th Sergeant at Arms and was reelected in 1997, 1999, 2001 and
2003; and
Whereas, Sadly, the Honorable Tony DeRaimo passed away on
January 10, 2004, bringing to an end a long and productive life.
It was fitting that the funeral service for the Honorable Tony DeRaimo was held on the same day as the opening of the Second
Regular Session of the 76th Legislature because of his many
contributions to the Senate and its day-to-day operation;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby memorializes the life of the Honorable
Tony DeRaimo, former coal miner, union official, civic leader,
Sergeant at Arms of the West Virginia Senate and distinguished West
Virginian; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate commends the dedication and
commitment exhibited by the Honorable Tony DeRaimo during his many
years of service; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its heartfelt
sadness at the passing of the Honorable Tony DeRaimo and extends
its sincere sympathy to his beloved family; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the family of the late Honorable Tony
DeRaimo.
Email
Webmaster | © 2024 West Virginia Legislature **
