BECKLEY — When she was six years old, she traveled the high seas to come to America, the same year the Titantic sank. She would see ten popes, 18 presidents beginning with Teddy Rooselvelt, the first passenger flight, six major U.S. wars, moon landings, 26 Olympic games, and the right for women to vote. She lived through times, events ,a witness to living history for 104 years, one month, and five days. And so, on Monday, November 22, 2010, Margaret Radochio “Fought the good fight. She finished her course. She has kept the faith.”

One of nine children, four of whom died in infancy, Margaret Bero was the oldest of five surviving adult children, born to the late John and Margaret Jacob Bero. Born on October 17, 1906 in Csernely, Hungary, Margaret immigrated to the United States in 1912 on the passenger ship, the Hamburg. Her family settled in McDowell county. Her sister, Irene Kuhn; and her brothers, George who died in the Battle of the Bulge, and John, have preceded her in death.

The Bero family ran the Commerical Hotel in Welch for many years. They were devoted members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Welch. In the mid 1930’s, an Italian boy from Hemphill, John Radochio, was the projectionist at the Pocahontas Theater in Welch. During intermissions, song and dance acts were performed at the theater. Margaret by then an accomplished soloist in the Welch area, sang “Alice Blue Gown.” John and Margaret were married on July 31, 1936. To this union was born a son, John, and a daughter, Karol. Margaret Radochio was an energetic woman. A homemaker, she also worked at the National Dollar Store in Welch. When her parents, Poppa and Momma Bero came to Beckley, Margaret took over the operation of the Commercial Hotel. In 1980, the Radochios migrated to Beckley and settled on Mankin Ave. They became members of St. Francis de Sales Church where Margaret is the oldest living member of the parish. After 59 years of marriage, John Radochio died on March 18th, 1995.

Left to cherish the memory of their beloved mother are her children, John Radochio and his wife, Linda of St. Albans and Karol Radochio of Beckley. Margaret was the dear grandmother of John Michael Radochio and his wife, Shelia and David Scott Radochio; the proud great-grandmother of Angela Marie Radochio, Teri Skidmore Kerns and her husband Nick, and William Skidmore. She was the fond sister of Helen Decker of Welch. Margaret’s extended family, who she held in high regard, are nieces and nephews, Diane Salsbury, Donna Marie Bode, Margaret Ann Kuhn, Rick Decker, John and Michael Kuhn; her cousin, Irene Charney; and sister-in-law, Talmadge Radochio.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church with Monsignor Samuel Sacus as the celebrant, assisted by Fr. Dan Pisano. The Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at the Sunset Memorial Park where Margaret will be laid to rest beside her beloved John. Pallbearers will be John Michael Radochio, David Scott Radochio, Johnny Kuhn, Michael Kuhn, Paul Seamann, and Leo Porreca.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Melton Mortuary at 1200 Harper Road, Beckley. The Reverend Mr. Donald Wise will recite a decade of the rosary and offer a prayer service at 8:30 p.m. The family suggests donations of sympathy can be made to the John Radochio Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Fr. John Halpin Council 5657, P.O. Box 493, Beckley, WV 25802.

And now we must say goodbye to this great lady. Perhaps it is only fitting that she passes at this season of Thanksgiving. A life…well lived.

Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net

Information submitted by Melton Mortuary of Beckley.

What a beautifully stated remembrance for a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Radochio family at this time. May Margaret Radochio forever rest in peace.

Bob & Paulette Greene