Obituaries

Deloris Kay Duff Gorgonio passed away after an extended and noble battle with chronic illness.

She was born on November 19, 1936, to Gerald and Malinda Duff (née Bell) in Grafton, West Virginia. She enjoyed her childhood in Grafton, learning the art of sewing and other crafts from her mother. She was often the subject of her father’s photography hobby. From her father, she also inherited a love of reading, gardening, and an insatiable curiosity about how things work.

Though she was the only child of Gerald and Malinda, she had an elder half-sister, Joanna Cooper, and an elder half-brother, Kenny Duff, both of whom she shared a lifelong bond. They both predeceased her.

After high school, Kay pursued her calling in nursing by enrolling in the Nursing Program at St. Mary’s School of Nursing at DeSales Hall in Clarksburg. She graduated in 1957 and dedicated nearly 50 years to her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, Union Protestant Hospital, and the United Hospital Center.

Just before graduating from nursing school, she met the love of her life, Sam Gorgonio, whom she married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarksburg on June 28, 1958.

Together, Kay and Sam built a loving family, beginning with their daughter, Saundra Lynn Madia (Johnny Joe), followed by their daughter, Suzanne Constance Shaffer (Joseph F. Jr.), and their son, Joseph Gerald Gorgonio (Sheila), all of whom survive her. Her beloved husband, Sam, predeceased her on November 3, 2014.

Kay was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, whom she adored: John (Devon), Samuel (Caitlin), and Michael (Audrey) Madia; Emily (Vance Barber) and Hannah Shaffer; and Sam Gorgonio. She was also the cherished great-grandmother of four: John, Ava, Nora, and Luca Madia.

In addition to her parents, husband, brother, and sister, she was predeceased by two nephews and her first-born granddaughter, Alexandra Lynn Shaffer. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Outside of her family, Kay’s greatest achievement was her nursing career, particularly in obstetrics. Over the years, she comforted, cared for, and taught thousands of new parents in Harrison County, guiding them through the early stages of newborn care with patience and expertise.

Kay’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers—Laura, Deborah, Gina, and Ruth Ann—for their compassion and dedication. The family also extend their thanks to the wonderful staff and nurses at Clarksburg Continuous Care for their kindness and patience. Special appreciation is given to the entire nursing staff at WVU Medicine at UHC’s Critical Care Unit for their professionalism and compassion, as well as to Dr. John Angotti and the doctors in the Pulmonary Department for their long-term care and support.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, where a Vigil Service will be held at 6:30 pm to conclude the visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Casey Mahone as celebrant.  Entombment will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Due to the high number of flu cases and the presence of immunocompromised family members, all guests are kindly required to wear a mask, which will be provided at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com.  A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.