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Harold Eugene Vitalie, 85, passed away on June 1, 2023, in Wheeling, WV. He was born on December 22, 1937, in Clinton, Indiana. He was the son of the late Harold L. & Ruth Hunt Vitalie. The family moved from Indiana in 1948 and he resided in the Elm Grove area of Wheeling since that time.
After graduation from Triadelphia High School in 1955, he attended West Liberty State College, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education in 1959. Post graduate work at West Virginia University resulted in a Master's Degree in American History.
Harold was employed for many years by the Marshall County Board of Education as a Social Studies instructor. He taught at Moundsville High School from 1960 to 1968 and at John Marshall High School from 1968 to 1989. After he retired from full-time teaching, he continued to work as a substitute teacher in the Marshall County school system.
As a youth, Harold was a member of the Wheeling Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He later served as Ritual Advisor and Chapter Advisor in the Wheeling Chapter. He also worked with the Moundsville Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He is the recipient of the Representative DeMolay Award, Advisor's Honor Key, Guild of the Leathern Apron, Degree of Chevalier, and active Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay. He also served several years as State Scribe of Mountaineer Chevalier Association and one year as Dean of Wheeling Preceptory, Legion of Honor.
Harold began his journey in Freemasonry in 1960. Initially, he was a member of Nelson Lodge No. 30, and later, Ohio Lodge No. 1, A.F.-A.M. of Wheeling. He was also a member of Wheeling Union Chapter No. 1 Royal Arch Masons, which he served as High Priest and later served as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of West Virginia. He was a member of Wheeling Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar, in which he served as Eminent Commander. He was also a member of the Ancient Camp; Accepted Scottish Rite, Mountain State Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, and Fort Henry York Rite College No. 61, which he served as Governor. He later served as Grand Governor of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. For his efforts, he was awarded the Order of the Purple Cross by that organization. He also held memberships in West Virginia Council No. 7 Knight Masons, Mount Calvary Tabernacle No. XIX, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and St. Lawrence, The Martyr Council No. 21 Allied Masonic Degrees.
Harold is survived by several cousins, former Masonic brothers, and former students & colleagues.
Friends will be received on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 5-8 PM and again on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM at Kepner Funeral Homes, 166 Kruger Street, Wheeling, WV (#304- 242-2311) with Reverend Margie Carr officiating.
Interment to follow in Halcyon Hills Memorial Gardens where the Ohio Lodge #1 will conduct services.
Memorial contributions may be made to John Marshall High School Trust Fund A (Vitalie Family Scholarship), 1300 Wheeling Avenue, Glen Dale, WV 26038.
Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com