John Book would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, an offer he couldn’t refuse. This offer had a great sign-on bonus — reunion with family and friends, Master Mechanic with no waiting, Hemi Cudas, Mopar, drag racing with the best and leisurely sitting on the fence in the outfield with The Babe, Joe DiMaggio. Hank Aaron, Lou Gerhig, Roberto Clemento watching the game of life and reminiscing the good times.

 

John Santo Book, Jr., 73, fought a long hard battle with Parkinson’s and finally admitted defeat May 23, 2018. He was born in Clarksburg, WV April 12, 1945 to the late John Santo Book, Sr and Esther Irene Colebank Book, paternal grandparents the late Sam and Mary Marino Book and maternal grandparents Jasper and Faye Sturm Colebank.

 

John attended Lumberport High School and West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. Marrying his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Underwood Book and recently celebrating 51 years together. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law Kelly Dionne and Jon Rolstad, four grandchildren (the Pride of JSB,Jr.) Dareth Mallory Murphy, Cole Santo Murphy and sweetheart Stephanie Marshall, Brennan Michael Murphy, Chapin Emerson Murphy; their father, John Murphy and step-grandson Siver Rolstad.

 

He is survived by one sister, Mary Cate (Ron),Maryville, TN; two brothers, Michael (Elizabeth), Enterprise and Stephen (Judith), Kodak, TN. One sister, Susan preceded him in death. He also leaves behind his doting dogs, Joe and Marilyn, and several cats.

 

John Book Automotive Service was his forte. Precision, excellence, honest and in NO hurry to get those cars done. Those Hemi engines were music to his ears and loved drag racing with the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat with his good buddies, Boogie Oliverio, Frank Scarcelli and Lou DeRosa. He was Known far and wide for his expertise, locally and in drag race tracks around the Area. The ‘71 Mountain Mopar Hemi Cuda Convertible was his pride and joy.

 

Owner of Eldora Raceway with the late Joe Zurzolo, was our home for several years in the 70’s and 80’s.

 

He loved coaching and mentoring young boys in the art of playing baseball. Winning wasn’t his goal, but teaching values, goals, life lessons, never criticizing or raising his voice, he had the patience of Job. So proud to hear these young men come up to Mr. Book or Coach Book and offer handshake and greeting.

 

John’s body was bequeathed to the West Virginia University Life Science Department in Morgantown, WV.

 

The family would like to thank People’s Hospice and United Hospital for the superior compassion, assistance and sympathy extended to our family. Special kudos to Boogie Oliverio for all your visits, calls and brotherhood.

 

A celebration of life will be held at the Maple Lake Club, Bridgeport, WV on Wednesday, May 30, 2018

From 6-9 p.m. Come join our casual gathering, eat a bite and reminisce our good times.

 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization of your choice.