Fugate

William “Bill” M. Fugate, 89, a resident of Passavant Community in Zelienople, passed away Monday, July 15, 2024.

Bill was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Wheeling, W.Va., the son of the late Robert McKinley and Marian (Artman) Fugate. He married Elaine S. Strock.

Bill graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology, Montgomery, W.Va., in 1959, with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He was employed by Cannelton Coal Company as a mine electrician while still in college, and after graduation he worked briefly for IBM in Kingston, N.Y., before returning to join Wheeling Electric Company, later Wheeling Power Company, Appalachian Power. Bill spent the majority of his career at Wheeling Electric in a number of roles, including supervisor of transmission and distribution. Bill was a registered professional engineer in the state of West Virginia and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers. After retiring from Wheeling Power, he continued his career as a consultant to both Touchstone Research and Laboratory and Cerrone Associates.

Bill was a lifelong ham radio operator (W8IYD), model railroader and avid blacksmith. Bill used his blacksmithing skills to create a series of ironwork art pieces that are installed permanently at the Passavant Community main building in Zelienople.

Throughout his life, Bill was a man of strong faith and active in congregations of the Lutheran church in both Wheeling, W.Va., and Zelienople. He was a member of the Seaman Memorial Lutheran Church at the Passavant Community.

Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elaine Strock; three children, Martha (David) Ellifritz of Weston, W.Va., David (Deborah) Fugate of Cabot and Margaret (Timothy) Channel of Simpsonville, S.C.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marian; and his brother, Charles.

FUGATE — A memorial service for William “Bill” M. Fugate, who died Monday, July 15, 2024, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Seaman Memorial Chapel in the main building of the Passavant Community, 105 Burgess Drive, Zelienople.

Arrangements were entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.