CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Harrison County Commissioner, former legislator and local business owner has died almost two weeks after suffering a heart attack.
Frank “Chunki” Angotti was said to be helping a neighbor remove snow on January 23 after the winter storm when the heart attack happened, putting him into a coma.
His condition deteriorated until he died at around noon on Thursday at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, according to Commission President Ron Watson.
Angotti was appointed to the commission nearly one year ago
after Mike Romano vacated the position after being elected to the State Senate.
Previously, he served as a Democratic representative for the 48th
District in the House of Delegates for two terms from 1998 to 2002, just over five years on the Clarksburg Water Board and from 2002-2010 on the commission.
He also owned and operated Chunki’s Pizza and Subs in Clarksburg for more than 40 years.
Watson said he first met Angotti around 15 years ago when they were both getting more involved in politics.
“He was running for House of Delegates and I think I was campaigning for Sheriff, and that’s when I first met Chunki. He is one heck of a campaigner. You could never count Chunki out.”
After working together as long as they did, Watson will remember his colleague as someone who truly wanted to serve the public.
“He’s always wanted to be helpful with people and with their problems,” he said. “I think that’s the big thing. You come to Chunki and regardless of what the issue was, he would try to help facilitate and resolve what the issue might be.”
Another attribute Angotti brought to the commission was his willingness to take a stand for his convictions.
“He was a fighter, he was a believer and he was dogmatic. There was no doubt about that,” Watson said. “But he had a big heart, kind heart and he was certainly there to help anyone he could.”
State Democratic Party Chair Belinda Biafore released this statement on Thursday afteronoon:
“I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of former Delegate and Harrison County Commissioner Frank ‘Chunki’ Angotti. He worked hard for the people of our beautiful state for years and for that we are forever thankful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult and tragic time.”
Angotti is survived by his son and daughter.