WILLIAM TOLBERT

He was born May 16, 1924, in Yorkville, Ohio, the son of Anthony James Jr. and Salome (Morgan) Tolbert. Upon graduation from Yorkville High School in 1942, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and became a decorated marine while serving in the Pacific theater during World War II. During his service he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Bill returned to the Ohio Valley and launched his business career opening a corner grocery store and butcher shop on Penn Street in Martins Ferry. Bill and his wife, Angela, expanded this operation and opened two more stores including a Bridgeport location and one on Walnut Street in Martins Ferry. The Walnut Street location served as a focal point for the neighborhood for 32 years. Beginning in 1955, the couple further developed their commercial business over the next several decades opening DeLuxe Toy and Hobby, The Young World (a children’s apparel specialty store), The Fashion Manor (an exclusive women’s clothing boutique), Stecker’s Department Store and Ferry Realty. Today, Bill and Angela’s footprint can be seen as their children and grandchildren have several businesses throughout Martins Ferry.

Through all his endeavors, Bill spent a lifetime serving charities, his community and his church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Martins Ferry. He was named the Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. In 2010, he and Angela were inducted into the Martins Ferry Hall of Honor, and one of his proudest moments was the dedication of the gymnasium at Martins Ferry High School as the William and Angela Tolbert Gymnasium. Additionally, he was recognized by the Ohio General Assembly for his deep commitment to the Ohio Valley.

Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife, Angela (Amici) and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Voytecek. He is survived by his brother Anthony James III (Jim).

Also surviving are his four daughters Pamela Stecker (Paul), Susan Tolbert-Dunbar (Joseph), Victoria Capuano and Constance Yeso (Michael), and son William Jr. (Lisa), 12 grandchildren, Paul Stecker Jr. (Cheryl), Jennifer Gerchow (Kurt), Mark Stecker (Jennifer), Nicole Stephens (Daniel), Amanda Capuano, Susan Yeso, Melissa Yeso, Mary Yeso, Kathleen Kendall (Matthew), William Tolbert III, Angela Aquino (David), and Carolyn Tolbert, and 10 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held November 19, 2018, at Keller’s Funeral Home, 615 Hanover St., Martins Ferry, from 1:30-7:30 p.m. Funeral will be held November 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 20 N. Fourth St., Martins Ferry, with Father Thomas Marut presiding.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Central School, 24 N. Fourth St., Martins Ferry, OH 43935.

Due to the memorial and funeral services, DeLuxe Toy and Hobby, will have altered hours on Monday, November 19, of 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, November 20, of 3-6:30 p.m. Also, ValleyWide Insurance hours will have altered hours on Monday, November 19, of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, November 20, of 3-5 p.m.

The Belmont Co. Veterans Association will give Military Honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book online at www.kellerfuneral home.com.