Melvin Tritapoe Obituary

Melvin Paul Tritapoe BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV - Melvin Paul Tritapoe, age 87, of Berkeley Springs, WV, died on Monday, December 14, 2020 at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. Born December 14, 1933 in Berkeley Springs, WV, he was the son of the late Robert Franklin and Annie Marcheline Yost Tritapoe. He was a member of Highland United Methodist Church. Melvin served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He retired as Sergeant with the Charleston Police Department in Charleston, SC. Melvin was a member of the Jr. Order of United American Mechanics Council #117 in Berkeley Springs. He enjoyed gardening and yard work, carpentry, traveling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren. Melvin is survived by his wife of 191/2 years, Marion Natalie Pritchard Tritapoe, at home, his children, Dwight David Tritapoe of Great Cacapon, WV, Rebecca Ann Sims of Bonneau, SC, Paula Maxine Edwards Tritapoe of North Charleston, SC, two stepsons, William Sterner of Hancock, MD, Mark Somerfield of Andes, NY, two grandchildren, Clint W. Howard and Catherine Edwards both of Charleston, SC, five step-grandchildren, Kelly Patel of Erie, PA, Jonathan Sims of Bonneau, SC, Bethany King, Jordan Sterner and Kaitlyn Martin, one great-grandson and six step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Elizabeth Padgett Tritapoe, on January 21, 1992, four sisters and five brothers. Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Highland Cemetery, 4326 Highland Ridge Road, Berkeley Springs, WV, with Pastor Kenny Mason officiating. Graveside military honors will be provided by the Tri-State Honor Guard. Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com. Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston