Martin Biafora, age 94, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully at home Oct. 6, 2023.
Martin was born in Morgantown, on March 30, 1929, the son of the late Joseph Biafora and the late Rosa (Bilotta) Biafora.
He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1947. He attended WVU, while working in his father’s business, Biafora and Sons.
In 1951 he was drafted into the army to serve in the Korean War for two years.
On May 30, 1957, Martin married the love of his life, Ilene Panetta, of Belington.
In addition to his parents, Martin is proceeded in death by his sister, Mary (Biafora) Callen, and brother, Frank Biafora.
Martin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ilene (Panetta) Biafora; his children, Marty (Cheryl) Biafora, Rick (Michelle) Biafora, David (Patricia) Biafora, and Anna Marie Biafora Stephens Hawkins, all of Morgantown; his grandchildren Lauren (Kyle) Ritchie, Alex (Johnna) Biafora, Marka (John) Staley, Lena (Joseph) Horrigan, Morgan (Scott) Simonetti, Ricky (Amelia) Biafora, Mateo Biafora, and Joseph Biafora; and his great-grandchildren, Patrick, Amelia, Vivienne, Oliver, August, Carlo, Giavanna, Guinevere, Salvatore, and Brinley.
As the son of an Italian immigrant, Martin will be remembered for his strong work ethic which he instilled in his children, just like his father instilled in him. Even during some challenging economic and cultural times, he was able to take his father’s working man’s store and expand it into the very successful Biafora’s Clothing. He also owned apartment and commercial rentals. His passion and dedication to his work is what helped him realize the American Dream.
Work wasn’t all he loved to do. He enjoyed sports cars and traveling the world with Ilene and friends. When his children were young, he spent every weekend taking his family snow skiing in the winter and boating on Cheat Lake in the summer, a tradition and passion he passed down to his kids and grandkids. Later in life, he learned to play golf which eventually influenced his decision to take a well-deserved early retirement to Florida. There he enjoyed golfing almost daily until he was no longer physically able to play.
Martin’s grandkids will always remember the amusing stories he told of his many adventures and the few shenanigans during his younger years. As he would tell his stories with the mischievous yet playful look in his eyes, it was obvious the apples didn’t fall far from the tree. But the most important thing Martin will be remembered for is his deep love of family, and the many sacrifices he made for each of them. He will be sorely missed.
The family would like to thank Ray Heldreth, for his strong compassion and exceptional care for Martin over the past six years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Ursula‘s Food Pantry & Outreach, PO Box 18, Pursglove, WV 26546, or Christian Help, 219 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home.
Visitation and funeral times will be announced in the near future and updated on our website at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
