Local Business Owner, Developer, Leader on Church and Civic Front, Veteran, Samuel B. Urso, Jr. Passes
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on August 04, 2026
Samuel B. Urso, Jr. passed away August 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Urso was born in Clarksburg, WV on September 13, 1939, the son of Samuel B. Urso, Sr. and Mary Iaquinta Urso, who preceded him in death. Mr. Urso graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1961, where he was a member of the Golf Team and Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a reserve officer in the US Army and served as an Artillery officer on active duty in South Korea and then in the Reserves. Later he earned a master’s degree in finance from the American College. He also was a Chartered Financial Planner and a Charter Life Underwriter.
In October 1966, he married the love of his life, Jane Williams, who survives him. Their three children and their spouses, Elizabeth “Beth” Kozal and husband, David; Samuel “Tre” Urso, III and wife, Molly; Mark D. Urso and wife, Angela; also survive. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, Jacob Kozal, Louisville KY, Luke Kozal, Dayton, Ohio; Emma Kozal, Chicago, Il.; Grace Kozal, Cincinnati, Ohio, Maria Kozal, Dayton Ohio; Ashley Urso, Nashville TN; Abby Urso, Denver, CO; David, Gabriel, and Kate Urso, Bridgeport WV. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Joretta Andrasik, Huntington Beach CA; Sandra “Babe” Williams, Vista, CA; Norma Hadjis, Bridgeport, WV. One sister, Eleanor Risher of Toledo Ohio, preceded him in death.
Mr. Urso spent his professional career in financial services. He was an agent with Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company, owner of the Urso Insurance Agency and provided investment and pension services to clients in West Virginia and the surrounding states for over 52 years. Throughout his career he was repeatedly honored for his achievements within the financial service industry. His civic activities included serving on The Board of Directors of the Sacred Heart Children’s Home, Campaign Chair of the United Way of Harrison County, and President of the Life Sciences Development authority which created the Life Sciences Park, a site for attracting national companies to locate in Harrison County. For many years Mr. Urso served as coordinator for the Pre-Cana Program for the Clarksburg Vicariate of the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston. He was a member of the Clarksburg Rotary Club, served as President of the WV Life Underwriters Association, and President of the Clarksburg Kiwanis. He was also responsible for starting the Key Club at Notre Dame High School. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Stonewood WV and the Church of St. Patrick in Sarasota, Florida, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Urso enjoyed playing golf and was the first member of the Pete Dye Golf Club. He was a member of the Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club of Sarasota, Florida, where he spent his winters for the last 25 years.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family can donate to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Maintenance Fund, 8092 Third Street, Stonewood, WV 26301, Building Hope, PO Box 1196, Bridgeport, WV, 26330, LLC, Flood Relief in care of: Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Buckhannon, 35 Franklin Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or Saint Patrick Church, 224 Center Street, Weston, WV 26452.
In honoring Mr. Urso’s request, cremation services have been held. Family and friends are encouraged to gather at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort, WV on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 3-8 PM. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 PM to conclude visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Cost Avenue Stonewood with Father Kumar Reddimasu and Father Patsy Iaquinta as con celebrants. Mr. Urso will be laid to rest privately by his family at the West Virginia National Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A Service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.
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