BECKLEY — On Thursday, August 23, 2012, our most cherished, Luigi Conte, 85, of Beckley, formerly of Gary, completed his pilgrim journey at Bowers Hospice House after a battle with cancer.

Born June 11, 1927, in Gary, he was the son of Francisco and Maria Demetrio Conte. He served in the U.S. Army and was employed by U.S .Steel’s Alpheus Prep plant, Gary, as a supervisor for 41 years. A member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, he faithfully  decorated and worked at the church, enjoyed gardening, sports and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Louie was preceded in death by sisters, Beatrice Jerry, Antoinette Williams and Angelina Bright.

Those left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 58 years, Anna Placidi Conte. He is the dear father of  Maria and Kenny Fly, Frank Conte, Louis and Sherry Conte, all of Beckley, and John Conte of Thomasville, N.C.; the doting grandfather of grandchildren, Leann and Jerry Umberger, Justin Conte, Amanda and Gavin Vanhoose, all of Beckley, Kenny Fly of Hurricane, Christopher Conte of Bridgewater, Va., and Aaron Stroupe of Dunbar and great-grandchildren, Isabella and Vince Umberger and Kalei Vanhoose of Beckley; the fond brother of Yolanda Pinter of Welch, Carlina and Louie Berentes of Cary, N.C., Aida and Pete Ramella of Huntington; the kind brother-in-law of Rocco Jerry of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; a host of nieces and nephews; his St. Francis de Sales family, and many old friends and co-workers from McDowell County .

On Saturday, August 25th Louie’s family will bring him back to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where he will lie in repose from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The family will receive friends at that time. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at noon with Monsignor Samuel Sacus as the celebrant, assisted by the Rev. Mr. William Donald Wise. The Rite of Committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.

Pallbearers will be Louie’s grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801.

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary in Beckley.

Condolences may be sent to the family’s guestbook at www.meltonmortuary.com.