Trending
Thomas "Tom" Innocenti II, 91, of Wheeling, WV, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the WV Veterans Nursing Facility.
Tom was born to the late Thomas & Louise (Griffith) Innocenti on August 15, 1932, in Wheeling, WV.
A graduate of Warwood High School, Tom spent two years serving in the U.S. Army, during the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star with a Combat V device (denoting valor/ heroism while engaged in direct combat). He served as the inspiration for a historic room dedicated to Wheeling area veterans at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport. Upon his return from Korea, Tom attended West Liberty State College for his undergraduate degree, followed by West Virginia University where he earned his Master's degree in Education. He then would begin a career that would become his life's passion.
A well-respected leader, Tom spent decades serving the Wheeling area public school system in the roles of coach, guidance counselor, teacher, and principal. From the years of 1976-1999, Tom acted as principal at Clay and Wheeling Middle Schools, where he authored curriculum programs that were designed to lift up students to reach their full potential, both acade- mically and personally. Upon his retirement, Tom was elected to the Ohio County Board of Education, where he served both as member and also as President. After serving the Ohio County area, Tom ended his formal career consulting to the State of WV Department of Education. After so many years of positive impact on our community, he will truly be missed.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas & Louise (Griffith) Innocenti; his brother, Garth Innocenti; and his sister, Della Mae Roseberry.
Married in 1960, Tom and his wife, Laura Belle (LB) Innocenti, enjoyed nearly 49 years together prior to her passing in 2009.
He is survived by their three children, Thomas (Tammy) Innocenti III, Laura (Charles) Klein, and Trevor (Wendy) Innocenti; four grandchildren, Joseph (Ashley) Subasic, Thomas (Sarah) Innocenti IV, Krystin Subasic & fiance Brady Kovalski, and Cynthia (Cesar) Vega; four great- grandchildren, Juniper, Hazel, Connor, and Caleb Thomas; and his dear life-long friend, Ralph Krasevec.
Tom held many titles in his life from soldier, to community leader, to husband and father, to friend, but his favorite role was being a grandfather. Fondly known as Pap to his grandchildren, he loved nothing more than spending time with them and supporting them as they grew into successful careers and families of their own. In his spare time, you could find Tom in his greenhouse, nurturing his ever-expanding garden, continuing the family tradition of winemaking, or even hand-carving custom walking sticks.
Friends will be received on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 12pm until the time of service at 2pm at Kepner Funeral Home- Burke Chapel 2101 Warwood Ave. Wheeling, WV 26003 (304- 277-2722).
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the WV Veterans Nursing Facility at 1 Freedom Way Clarksburg, WV 26301.