February 5th 2010 - The alarm sounded but we were one brother short. He responded to a greater call. A Call From Above. A Call To Come Home.
Brother when you weep for me Remember that it was meant to be Lay me down and when you leave Remember I'll be at your sleeve In every dark and choking hall I'll be there as you slowly crawl On every roof in driving snow I'll hold your coat and you will know In cellars hot with searing heat At windows where a gate you meet In closets where young children hide You know I'll be there at your side The House from which I now respond Is overstaffed with heroes gone Men who answered one last bell Did the job and did it well As firemen we understand That death's a card dealt in our hand A card we hope we never play But one we hold there anyway That card is something we ignore As we crawl across a weakened floor For we know that we're the only prayer For anyone that might be there So remember as you wipe your tears The joy I knew throughout the years As I did the job I loved to do I pray that thought will see you through.
Retired Chief George BilichFebruary 10, 1922
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February 5th 2010Chief
Bilich's Last Call 2/9/2010
Bilich, George V., 87, of McMechen, WV, died
Friday, February 5, 2010 in Wheeling Hospital.
He was born February 10, 1922 in McMechen, WV, a son of the late Nick
and Jenny Surina Bilich.
George was a retired employee of the former Allied Chemical Co. and a
member of St. James Catholic Church, McMechen. He was past president of
the WV State Fireman's Association; a member of the Bishop Donahue
Athletic Board; the American Legion Blake Brothers Post 46 of Benwood;
the McMechen Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Fire Chief
for more than 64 years; the St. James Holy Name Society: and DAV Post
15. George was also a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife,
Beverly J. Clegg Bilich; a son, Harold Bilich; and a brother, Nick
Bilich.
Surviving are a son, Brent Bilich of McMechen; a brother, Rudy (Mary
Lou) Bilich of McMechen; a nephew, Rudy (Pam) Bilich, Jr. of Pittsburgh,
PA; a great-niece and nephew, Nick and Lisa Bilich.
Friends will be received form 1-8 pm Monday at the Altmeyer Funeral
Home, Benwood-McMechen Chapel, 214 Marshall St., McMechen, where vigil
services will be held at 5:00 pm. The McMechen Fire Department will hold
services at 7:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Tuesday,
February 9, 2010 at St. James Catholic Church, McMechen, with Rev.
Joseph J. Hayden, SJ as celebrant.
Entombment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, where the Moundsville
Honor Guard will conduct military services.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.altmeyer.com.
