This past week, I attended the Frank Loria Awards Banquet presented by the Columbian Club at the Bridgeport Conference Center.  This banquet has been very successful as it calls attention to the Harrison County football season honoring both students and coaches and presenting scholarships to the athletes.

 

As I sat there and enjoyed every moment, my thoughts wandered to the possibility of how many of you knew the other half of the story and if you did not, I feel that it is time to share it with you.

 

On that day back on November 14, 1970, a plane crash took the lives of players and staff of Marshall University.  Among those was the late Frank Loria. Living in Huntington was his wife Phyllis Fernandez Loria and his two baby daughters, Julie and Vickie.  His wife did not attend that game as she was expecting their third child.  That child, a boy was born on Dec. 30, was named after his father, Frank Loria, Jr.  Phyllis moved back to Clarksburg where her parents, Earl and Rose Cava Fernandez could assist her.

 

Frank and Phyllis were both graduates of Notre Dame High School.  After becoming an All-American football player and completing his education at Virginia Tech, Frank accepted a football coaching position at Marshall.  The couple was married at St. John’s Catholic Church on Water Street in Clarksburg. After the plane crash, Phyllis relocated to Southern Virginia where her daughters continued their education and Frank, Jr. went on to attend and graduate from West Point.

 

Today, Phyllis is married to Rich Ricelli and they live in Virginia, both being retired.  Both girls live close by, and Phyllis and Rich enjoy their grandchildren.  Frank resides in New Jersey.

 

Frank gave his remarks at the banquet and he chose the theme “Legacy.”

 

Phyllis has kept the connection to Clarksburg so that her children can interact with their many relatives in this area.  The children will tell you that no matter how many times they see the sign at the Clarksburg City limits that says “Home of Frank Loria” it always touches a warm spot inside of them.

 

Now you know the other half of the story and the effort on behalf of their mother, Phyllis, to keep the children connected to their Loria family. Job well done Phyllis.

 

Stay healthy and happy and have a faithful Easter.  Until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”

 

Editor's Note: Pictured seated, from left, are Julie Loria, Phyllis Fernandez Loria Ricelli, and Vickie Buchner. Standing, from left, Alexia Squirewell, Greg Buchner, Ava Buchner, Frank Loria Jr., Rina Loria, Alana Loria, and Malia Loria.