Norman Sebastian Julian, fondly known as “Norm”, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 29, 2024.
In his early years, as a pioneer woodsman of sorts, Norm built his home with his own two hands and settled on Snake Hill on the lip of the Cheat River Gorge. In his later years, he settled in the heartwarming community of Star City in Morgantown.
Norman was born in Clarksburg, June 8, 1939, to immigrant parents Rocco and Antonia Dillinger Julian, respectively from Italy and Austria.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved brother-in-law, James Pollutro, Sr.; and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Norman was a man deeply affected by his immigrant roots of a resilient, brave people who worked ceaselessly to make a good life. A terrific storyteller, he often relayed fascinating stories of growing up among family from the “old country”. An award-winning journalist and novelist, Norman had a special gift of painting word pictures of the lives of people and places throughout the mountain state.
A graduate of Victory High School in Clarksburg, Norman went on to graduate from West Virginia University in English and Journalism.
Over his more than 50 years, he worked on five newspapers as reporter, city editor, editorial writer, magazine editor and multiple-award winning columnist. Golden Seal Magazine called him “The Monongahela Valley’s Woodsman Philosopher”. Both the West Virginia Press Association and the Keystone (Pennsylvania) State Press Association named him “best columnist” in separate years. Norman also self-published his own books including novels “Cheat” and “Snake Hill” that take readers on an intimate journey to this rugged spot in the mountains, where he homesteaded and lived for 25 years. Considered his best work is “Legends” – a state best seller on the history of West Virginia University basketball from 1938 to 1998. Norman is a member of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Governor Cecil Underwood named him a “History Hero” of West Virginia as Norman put intensive and careful research into his books. Notably, Norm said, “Successful writers have the attitude of peasants. They go to work every day and learn to overcome fatigue.” Norm lived by this motto and earned all that he owned with rarely any help. Truly a self-made man, Norm valued honesty, integrity and relationships. He treated people with value and lived the Golden Rule.
He loved animals, gardening, building, basketball, and playing the accordion. In later years, he not only relayed stories with his typewriter, but he also relayed them through painting.
Those left to mourn Norm’s passing are his sister, Mary Ann Pollutro; niece, Tressa (Ray) Shaw; nephew, James (Anna) Pollutro, Jr.; as well as several cousins and life-long, dear, and special friends that are more like brothers and sisters. Norm treasured people! He maintained some friendships of over 50 years! As a man truly of the soil, it can be said of his evaluation of friendship: “Friends are the flowers in the Garden of Life.” Norm’s lifetime garden was well-tended and the harvest bountiful.
Norman battled CLL Leukemia for nearly 20 years. He wanted to benefit other people, especially those battling cancer, by donating his body to West Virginia University for research and training. Even in death, Norm wanted to help give life. For this reason, no public viewing will be held. The family will be holding a private gathering of close family and intimate friends, in Norm’s memory.
If desired, memorial donations may be made, in Norman’s name, to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, an organization which greatly helped Norman during his lengthy battle with cancer. Donations via check can be mailed to LLS Donor Services, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087; via phone at 888-557-7177; or at https://diy.lls.org/fundraiser/5859914 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.
