According to a post on their Facebook page, former 12th District State Senator and long-time iconic business owner Joe Minard has passed away. 

 

Minard was well-known for his public service. He was also well-known as heading up Minard's Spaghetti Inn, a beloved local Italian Restaurant situated in Clarksburg that also has a second location in White Oaks in Bridgeport.

 

Part of the post reads "Our Joe passed away quietly this a.m. at his home. He was a wonderful man, who loved hard and ruled even harder. he was caring, funny and had a heart of gold.... we are completely lost, but know that he is back with his beloved Mary once again. Please keep Sam, Mike, Marisa, Marsha, Maria and Michelle and the rest of the Minards family in your prayers."

 

Minard served as Senator representing Harrison, Braxton, Gilmer, and Lewis counites on two different occasions - the first from 1990 to 1994 and the second from 1998 to 2013. He was also a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates starting in 1983 and going until 1990. 

 

The restaurant is closed. Their Facebook page will provide updates on when it will reopen.

 

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of Minard's Spaghetti Inn's Facebook page.