Martin W. Piotrowski

Martin William Piotrowski, 85, formerly of Lochgelly, WV and most recently residing in Wilmington, NC died on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC, following a long illness. He was born May 30, 1922 at Pittsburgh, PA he was the son of the late Francis Stephen and Elizabeth Schorsch Piotrowski. The family moved to Mabscott, WV around 1928 and eventually settled in Sprague, WV. He was the longest surviving of Francis and Elizabeth's 11 children including sisters: Stella, Margaret and Gertrude Piotrowski, Anna Oster and Frances (Fran) Gravely and brothers, Francis (Frank), William (Bill), Thomas, John and Edward Piotrowski. Martin served in the U. S. Army during the European Campaign in World War II from December 30, 1942 until he was honorably discharged on October 16, 1945. He served in the 725th Field Artillery Battalion as a Field Lineman and received the Bronze Star for courage under fire. Upon returning from the war, he attended college in Beckley, WV. Mr. Piotrowski served two consecutive terms in Fayette County as Justice of the Peace before returning to the coal mines where he worked as a section foreman at Sterling Smokeless Coal. He remained active in politics and was well-known on local campaign trails. In 1964 he was united in marriage to Katie McKinney Arrington. They resided and raised a large family in Lochgelly, WV for 36 years. Martin was a member of the American Legion Post 0149 and the UMWA Local No. 6046. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Oak Hill and most recently attended St. Mary Church in Wilmington, NC. Martin is survived by his stepchildren, Everette Arrington of White Sulphur Springs, Wanda Tigert of Fayetteville, Frank Arrington, Karen Goins, Joan Yarber and Eva Yarber, all of Oak Hill, John Arrington of Phoenix, Arizona and Ruth White of Wilmington, North Carolina. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive him. In addition to his parents and siblings, his beloved wife, Katie, his cherished stepson, Jack Allen Arrington and his great-grandchildren, Katelyn Renee, Jamie Lee Stump and Addison Brooke Haney, preceded him in death. Martin will be best remembered for his love and devotion to his family, his steadfast loyalty to friends and as a true patriot. Friends may call on Thursday, January 3, 2008 from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill. A vigil prayer service will be held at 6:00 PM. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 1:00 PM Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Oak Hill with Father Paul Yuenger officiating. Rite of Committal to follow at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill where military graveside rites will be conducted by VFW Post #3110 of Oak Hill. The family will receive friends immediately thereafter at the Scout Cabin in Oak Hill. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Legion Post #149, 205 W. Maple Avenue, Fayetteville, WV 25840.