Obituaries

Robert L. “Bobby” Secret, 75, of Clarksburg, WV, joined our Lord December 24, 2017, at home with his loving wife.

He was born in Clarksburg, on March 28, 1942, a son of the late Patrick and Mary Shields Secret. 

Bobby is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sharon Tiano Secret; daughters, Tara Secret Seckman and husband Josh and Ashlee Secret Barkley and husband Jacob; grandchildren, Alvee Marie Barkley, Samuel Robert Seckman, Naomi Elizabeth Barkley, Saul Bryant Barkley, his sister, Marianne Secret Hanner of Clarksburg, and brother, Patrick Secret of Clarksburg; aunt Eleanor Shields Alessi of Steubenville, OH; sister-in-law, Jacquline Romano and husband Carmen of Hilton Head, SC, and brother-in-law, Lou Tiano and wife Marina of Hilton Head, SC.  He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends and extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Secret Lehosit.

Bobby was a stranger to no one.  He was a light and inspiration to everyone he met.  When Bobby was diagnosed with cancer ten years ago he used this as an opportunity to bring encouragement and hope to those struggling with this disease.  He was given two months to live and here we are ten years later celebrating the life of this amazing fighter.  Although his body was weak his faith was strong, and with this strength he found peace and the grace to minister to others.

Bobby wore many hats.  He was an athlete, a beloved coach, an amazing math teacher, and mentored many young lives throughout the years.

Bob Secret was a four sport Superstar at Washington Irving High School.  He excelled at football, basketball, track and field, and baseball (American Legion).  He was one of three outstanding athletes in WV Class AAA named All-American both football and basketball.  Bobby was runner up to Jerry West for the WV Amateur athlete of the year award and received a trophy for Morgantown Touchdown Club (known now as the Kennedy Award).  Bobby went to Notre Dame University as a football recruit and finished his career at Salem College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Masters Degree at WVU.

His love for sports flourished into a lifetime of coaching.  He was an assistant coach at Victory High School for a few years in the 1960’s.  He also coached American Legion Post 13 with his brother Pat for many years.  In 1992 they won the state tournament and went on to the Mid-Atlantic regionals in New York.  He coached against his uncle Timbuck Shields and cousin Jimmy Salentro.  This was a sight to see.

Not only did he share his knowledge on the field, court, diamond, golf course, and pool, but he shaped lives by teaching.  He was a numbers man.  He worked in Harrison County as well as spending many years teaching at the Salem Correctional Center for the Youth, where he helped troubled kids feel like they could be someone.  He taught life lessons as well as Math.   He helped kids get their GED’s and do something positive with their life.  He tutored many students at his home and encouraged everyone he met.  Bobby was named Teacher of the Year several times throughout his teaching career.

Bobby was always building relationships but the most important relationship to him was the one with Jesus Christ.  He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Men’s Group and Tuesday morning prayer group.

To be Bobby’s friend was something, but to be his family was everything.  His love for his parents and siblings was unwavering.  Everyone knew his tremendous love for his girls, that he was so proud of.  You could see the love in his eyes every time he smiled at them, and when they finally gave him grandchildren his heart overflowed.  They kept him busy.  Oh, how he loved to play with them and tell them stories.

No love could ever compare to the love he had for his wife, who was the love of his life.  He always said, “she saved my life”.  He was home with his love when Jesus called him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who loved, cared and prayed for Bobby.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort, on Friday, December 29^th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  A prayer vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 126 East Pike Street, Clarksburg, on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Casey Mahone as Celebrant.

Per his request, Bobby will be cremated following the service.