John Angelo Laurita, 82, of Morgantown, passed away at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, with his children and Claudia by his side. John was born in Sabraton, on Jan. 7, 1939. He was the son of the late Joseph A. Laurita Sr., and Juanita McCartney Laurita.
He is survived in death by his daughter, Lisa A. Laurita, and son, Joseph A. Laurita III and his spouse, James Christopher Johnson. John is also survived by three brothers and their spouses and his sister: James L. Sr. and Beverly Laurita, Joseph A. Jr. and Zelda Laurita and Jerry and Joann Laurita and his sister, Joyce Laurita, all of whom he loved very much. John also had many special nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Clair B. Trasick Laurita, and his son, Jeffrey Scott Laurita.
John was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. He began his career as a young man with his father and brother as Laurita Trucking and Excavating and, for the duration of his life, he was a maverick in the coal mining business. He was owner and operator of J.A.L. Coal Corporation, Coal Resources, and Prime #1 Deep Mine for the following 40 years until his retirement. He was loved by his men who worked for him.
John will be remembered for his fairness and charitable ways that he showed his workers and friends. He was funny, quiet and charming, and he did it “My Way.” Mostly, he loved working on and operating heavy equipment and mentoring anyone who wanted to learn.
Throughout his life, he was a contributor of many causes, and along side his brothers and father, helped to build the foundations of many structures we enjoy today.
John enjoyed boxing events, football and playing cards in his leisure time.
Hastings Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements. Due to COVID, a public visitation and memorial service will take place at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia in Morgantown, West Virginia, 252 Brewer Road, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26508.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
