Virgil “Red” Artino, 92, of Alliance, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at his home in Alliance.

Born on July 7, 1924 in Alliance, Ohio to Salvatore and Edythe (Cheverol) Artino, he lived in Alliance for all of his life.

Virgil received his education at St. Joseph Elementary School and Alliance High School and Mount Union College, where he received his B.A. Degree.

His graduate work was completed at Kent State University and at the University of Akron. He was State certified in Vocational Education and Academics. Mr. Artino was a teacher in Alliance Public School system for 34 years, retiring in 1986.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Quarter Master in World War II, having taken part in eight major battles. Mr. Artino has held membership in the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was a member of many fraternal and community affiliations including the A.T.O. Fraternity, Mount Union College; Member of the Home Company, A.T.O. Fraternity, Mount Union College; Past Chairman of the Selection Committee for the Mount Union College Hall of Fame; Past President, Mount Union College Booster Club; Past Chairman of the Selection Committee for Distinguished Alumni at Alliance High School 1985-1999; Past Chairman of the Mayor’s Commission on Aging; Past Vice President of the Area Retired Teachers’ Association; and a member of Goat Hill Athletic Club.

Mr. Artino was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He served in many capacities throughout his life including as Past President, Holy Name Society; Past Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus #558; Past President, St. Joseph’s Booster Club; Past President, St. Joseph’s Band Booster; Charter Member and Past President (3 terms) of the Funtastics Senior Citizens Club; Past Vice Chairman of Parish Council; Prayer Leader; Past Chairman and Board of Directors of St. Joseph Cemetery; Past Secretary, St. Vincent De Paul Society of the poor (25 years); Past Teacher of C.C.D.; Team Member, R.C.I.A.; Eucharistic Minister; and Lector for almost 50 years.
He held memberships several professional organizations including the Ohio Education Association; Alliance Education Association; National Education Association; and the National School Board Association. Mr. Artino served 8 years on the Alliance Board of Education: one term as Vice President, and three years as President.

Mr. Artino was the recipient of many Special Honors including 1980 Vocational Teacher of the Year at Alliance High School; 1984 Overall Teacher of the Year at Alliance High School; Mount Union College Hall of Fame, having been first to earn four Varsity letters in football since the school was founded, and in 1998 inducted into Alliance High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also co-Grand Marshall of the Carnation Parade in 2009 and received the “Knight of the Year” award from the K of C for 2008-09.
His Athletic Awards include Alliance High School Football, where he earned two Varsity letters; Baseball, where he earned two Varsity letters; Track, where he earned Varsity numerals; Selected 2nd team all-county in 1941. While at Mount Union College, he earned four Varsity letters in Football, first in the history of the College; Baseball, where he earned two Varsity letters; and was inducted into Mount Union College Hall of Fame in 1979.

Mr. Artino wrote monthly sports articles for the Aviator Sports Network publication and was a past guest writer for the Alliance Foundation paper which goes throughout the United States.
Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Artino of Alliance, OH, Suzie (George) Dennis of Alliance, OH; two sons, Robert (Corrine) Artino of Jackson Twp., OH, Richard (Cindy) Artino of Hudson, OH; 7 grandchildren, Michael Artino, Tony Artino, Lauren Martinez, Dan Artino, Jennifer Artino, Diana Franta, and Bradley Dennis; 3 step-grandchildren, Shannon Dennis, Devin Dennis and Ashley Steinbrink; 8 great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Jerry Artino.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Lena (Azzocchi) Artino, whom he married on May 22, 1947 and died on October 20, 2007; his parents, Salvatore and Edythe Artino; and a brother, Joseph Artino.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 10, 2016 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home and also from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A Knights of Columbus service will be held at 8:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Rev. Matthew J. Mankowski, as celebrant. Burial, with military honors, will immediately follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 427 E. Broadway St., Alliance, OH 44601; or to the M Club at the University of Mt. Union, 1972 Clark Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.

You are invited to view Virgil's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.

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Source; Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home