McMechen Volunteer Fire Department

In Memoriam Of Retired Chief George Bilich

 
  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 Bilich
February 10, 1922 - February 5th 2010
Chief 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.