Late local educator who bequeathed estate to libraries, school honored

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – The life and career of Harold Vitalie were celebrated Monday by his friends and also by the benefactors of his amazing estate.

His bequests to local organizations were astounding.

He left $293,000 dollars each to the Ohio County and Marshall County Public Libraries and to Valley Hospice.

He left $587,000 dollars to the John Marshall Scholarship Fund.

They say he loved libraries, learning and history.

He was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. And his ability to relay the joy and essence of the topics of history is beyond what we see, may ever see, in the Ohio Valley.

David Gaudino, John Marshall Scholarship Coordinator

He started his teaching career at Moundsville High School, went on to teach at John Marshall and I said I was very fortunate to have him as a teacher and then later on in life I was very fortunate to have him as a friend.

Robin Capehart, Executor of Vitalie’s estate

Just truly was a great man. He’ll be deeply missed and he set an example for many of us that we’ll carry for the rest of our lives.

Jim Stultz, Marshall County Library Board

They say Harold Vitalie lived in Elm Grove and collected vintage typewriters. He could often be found talking with friends at the ice cream shop in Center Market.

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