Marion County Remembers

Remembering PFC Frank Fugera September 11, 1919 - November 8, 1942 ---- Note: Several sources refer to Frank as CPL Frank Fugera, but his Individual Deceased Personnel File and Burial Records list him as PFC Fugera. ---- PFC Frank Fugera (Service Number 13023728) was born September 11, 1919 in the Hawkinberry Hollow area of Rivesville, WV, the son of John and Elizabeth Fugera. John and Elizabeth had immigrated in the early 1900s from Austria, with their oldest daughter, Mary (John 1902, Elizabeth and Mary 1904; 1920 Census). John was a coal miner, later working as a machinist for the coal mine (1930 census). By 1930, their family had moved just across the border into Monongalia County, with a note in the 1940 census indicating that they'd lived in "Talbott" since at least 1935.  None of the twelve Fugera siblings graduated from high school, with the majority completing their education in 8th grade. By 1940, Frank was supporting his whole household (parents and three young...

Remembering MM2C Charles Finley "Chuck" Carpenter (Fairview) January 9, 1920 - August 10, 1943 ----- MM2C Charles Finley "Chuck" Carpenter (Service Number 2582756)   was born January 9, 1920 in Jacksonburg, WV (Wetzel County), the son of Finley A. Carpenter and Clara M. (Morris) Carpenter. At the time of Charles' birth, Finley was working as a public school janitor in Wetzel County (1920 Census). By 1930, their family had moved to Fairview, WV, and Finley was working as a clerk at a hardware store (1930 Census). In 1935, Finley was appointed the Postmaster of Fairview, and remained so until 1943, after which Charles' family moved to 406 9th Street in Fairmont. Finley remained at their 9th Street home until his death.  Charles graduated from Fairview High School in 1938. His senior yearbook states that he was a member of the Varsity Club, Science Club, Library Club, played basketball, was the secretary of the Future Farmers of America, and participated in the...