Obituaries: Issue 5
This obituary section honors the lives of those in our community, both housed and unhoused. However, please understand the variations in obituaries are often due to the tumultuous nature of homelessness and we do not always have the full information around someone’s life or death. We wish to honor the lives of our community members to the best of our ability, even if we only know their street names or have limited information.
If you have an obituary you would like us to include please contact Kate at hohsharewv@gmail.com or call (304)238-9484.
With gratitude…
We would like to thank Bishop Mark Brennan and the Cathedral of St. Joseph for honoring the life of Tony Falcone with a beautiful funeral Mass and proper burial. Had a stranger walked into that Mass, they might have thought it was a service for a king or dignitary, probably not for a homeless man that only spoke in simple sentences.
It is not often those experiencing homelessness or poverty have their lives honored while they are alive, and especially not often in death. As well, those who live in community with these individuals rarely have a place to grieve a person who was part of the fabric of our community’s daily life. Many homeless or poor individuals do not even receive a burial, much less a Mass or a Service of any kind.
This Mass reminded us of an unchangeable intrinsic value that Tony’s life, and all lives, hold in God’s eyes, regardless of the money in our pockets, our abilities or disabilities and even our decisions, good or bad. This Mass reminded us of a love that transcends it all and calls us all to God’s love and mercy.
Tony was known as “Rocking Tony” on the streets due to his rhythmic rocking he had since childhood. Had Tony been born in times of better mental health understanding, life might have been a bit different for him, with less trouble and homelessness, though he eventually got housing right across from the church he would come to love. But even in his struggles, he tried to do kind deeds and made daily rounds delivering newspapers to the neighbors. He would smile, and rock, and ask if there was, “Anything good in it?” We weren’t even sure if he could read.
Tony was part of the daily realities of so many in East Wheeling, from bus drivers and riders, social services and Northwood Health Care System, to those who saw him attending Mass almost everyday, to the meals he shared at many of our tables. He was known for smiling and saying, “Nice Service” or “What are we having?” repeatedly, as he kept moving to an inner tempo. He often visited neighbors, unaware of the time of day or night, but aware of a friend to visit or talk to. He mattered to a lot of people. Even though it often appeared the world had passed him by, there was Tony, with a newspaper in hand, asking if “there was anything good in it.”
So to walk into a Mass for Tony that beautifully reflected the grandness of Heaven, with a Bishop, Priests, Deacons and the parish present was a reminder that God never quit seeing the value of Tony’s life, and the need for His Love and Mercy in it…and that is a great reminder for all of our lives. And for that, we are grateful for all who took the time and resources to honor his life and let Tony help deliver one last bit of news…and yes, there was something good in it.
Corey Elwin Carroll
August 10, 1987 - July 22, 2022
Corey was a funny soul and often talked about how wonderful his children were. He was a member of Elm Grove Methodist Church. Though Corey succumbed to the disease of addiction, we wish to recognize that had put a lot of effort and work into recovery prior to his death. He will be dearly missed by family and many friends.
Tommy Crockard Jr.
April 12, 1989 - August 26, 2022
Tommy was a gentle soul cared about by many. He was often ready to lend a helpful hand. Tommy dearly loved his two children and fishing. He will be greatly missed by his wife, family and friends.
Nya Darby
October 1, 1986 - August 2022
Many knew Nya as a person who loved music and loved to sing. Nya was known for laughter and for making her friends feel cared about. Her songs and friendship will live on in the memories of her friends.
Anthony T. Falcone
58, Died July 26, 2022
You couldn’t live in East Wheeling and not know Tony. He was often stopping by to deliver a newspaper or to ask for a small need. He was an avid bus rider and was dedicated to being a friend. He was a daily visitor to House of Hagar, YSS, Public Market, Catholic Charities, the Soup Kitchen, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and had many other neighborhood stops. When he wasn’t out visiting, one could find him sitting in front of the Formosa waving at everyone who drove by, smiling. East Wheeling will not be the same without Tony and we will miss him.
Bethany D. Henderson
April 19, 1982 - October 14, 2022
Bethany was loved by many, from her parents, children, family to her friends. Bethany will be greatly missed, though is now reunited with her sister who she missed and looked up to. Bethany was a Christian and grew up as a 4-H. Many will hold Bethany’s smile in their hearts.
Kevin Hubbard
May 17, 1990 - October 31, 2022
Kevin was born here in Wheeling and was loved by so many. He was a roofer for Kalkreuth Roofing, enjoyed ATV’s and four wheeling, liked to hunt, and spend time in the woods and with his friends. He will be missed by so many.
John Rutan
August 23, 1968 -April 6, 2022
John was known as a helper and a good friend. A quiet soul, who looked out for others, yet did not ask much for himself. He will be missed by his children, family and friends, but we are comforted that he is out of pain and free from illness.