Obituaries

James A. “Hooker” Terango, age 89, of Stonewood, departed this life, Thursday March 26, 2026 at United Hospital Center following an extended illness.

He was born in Stonewood on July 8^th, 1936, a son of the late Joseph Terango and Mildred Folio Terango.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Laura Joan Davis Terango, along with their son Michael A. Terango.  And, one sister, Mary Ann Terango.

Surviving are two sons, James Kevin Terango and his wife Donna of Stonewood, and Joseph Patrick Terango and his wife Traci of Summit Point, WV.  Four grandchildren, Matthew Childers and his wife Sarah, Haley McKinney and her husband Janzen, Anthony and Dante Terango, and Tyler Terango.  Two great-grandchildren, Emmalyn Childers and Bonnie McKinney.  One brother, Dan Terango of Stonewood, along with several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was a graduate of Roosevelt Wilson High School, Class of 1954 where he excelled in football as a halfback and baseball as a catcher.  He was proud to serve as Vice President of his senior class, and a proud member of the Thespians Club.

He worked at the Pittsburgh Plate Glass in Stonewood until its closing.   He then went on to work at The Brunswick in Clarksburg, and Union Carbide for nearly 10 years.  He then went back to Pittsburgh Plate Glass out of Craighton, PA where he then retired with over 30 years of service combined.  He also enjoyed working at FADS Car Wash in Nutter Fort following his retirement. He was a former volunteer firefighter with Stonewood Volunteer Fire Department and served as City Councilman for the City of Stonewood.

Having been an avid sports fan, he enjoyed following the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, Georgetown Hoyas basketball and the Miami Hurricanes football.

The very best times of his life were spent coaching baseball, having started with Louie Leroy in little league and Babe Ruth.  He coached numerous years along side Butch Sutton in little league for Town and Country, having won numerous championships.  His teams appeared in two state tournaments, having won the West Virginia Little League State Championship in 1984 with his son Michael who played catcher that year.

His greatest interests were sports, politics, and history, and he was most proud that his sons went on to careers in coaching, politics, and teaching history.  He always kept abreast of current affairs and was an avid reader.  He was a lifelong member of St. Bridgets Catholic Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Stonewood.

The family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to Dennis Saoud, cousin John Folio, the Staff at River Oaks Nursing Home, and United Hospital Center for the care of their loved one.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Stonewood Volunteer Fire Department, 8081 Plainwood Avenue, Stonewood, WV  26301.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 8092 Third Street in Stonewood from 4-8PM where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 PM to conclude visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 30^th, 2026 at 10:00 AM with Father Kumar Reddimasu as Celebrant.  Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery.  Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com  A Service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.