HONOREES – Members of the 2025 class of the Weirton Hall of Fame were honored Saturday with an induction ceremony at the Lauttamus Center. Pictured are, in front from left, Mark Glyptis, Patti Barnabei, Gabriel “Gabe” Arlia, Irene K. Sellas and Charles Koukoulis who accepted on behalf of their cousin, the late Pam Makricosta, and in back, Robert Busick, Dan McCune, and David Reitter. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Eight current or former residents of the city were honored for their contributions to their communities, Saturday, with induction into the Weirton Hall of Fame.

This year’s class of honorees, inducted with a luncheon at the Lauttamus Center, included Daniel L. McCune in the category of philanthropy; Gabriel “Gabe” Arlia for public service; Dr. Jasbir Makar and Mark Glyptis for the category of business, industry and professions; Pamela Makricosta and Patti Barnabei for education and religion; and Robert J. Busick and David H. Reitter under sports and athletics.

“Today we induct these individuals whose contributions had an impact on their communities,” noted Hall of Fame Committee member Linda Krynicki.

McCune, a local attorney, has spent several years serving on the boards of local organizations including the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop, Weirton Health Care, the Louis Serra Charitable Foundation and more, along with coaching basketball for St. Joseph Grade School, Madonna High School, and Weirton Termites.

“Philanthropy isn’t just giving away money,” McCune said. “It’s about service and time.”

At 96, Arlia served the nation for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps, using what he learned in the military, as well as from his family and his teachers, to guide others. He is a member of the Tri-State Marine Corps and the American Legion Honor Guard, as well as a founding member of the Tri-State Young Marines, and a charter member of the Weirton Police Department Reserves, along with being active in many other organizations.

“I’m honored and humbled,” he said.

Makricosta, who was inducted posthumously, spent 50 years as the host of “The Athenian Hour” radio program, served as the coordinator of the adult literacy and lifelong learning programs at the Mary H. Weir Public Library, and served on the board of the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center.

Her award was accepted by cousins, Irene K. Sellas and Charles Koukoulis.

Barnabei is a retired educator who found inspiration in her own faith in charting a path to serve others, founding Never Alone and Club 3:16, two local support groups whose aims are to raise awareness of the need for a drug-free community and connect individuals with the resources they need to battle addiction.

“It’s so important how we treat others,” she said, noting the organizations are there to provide outreach and hope.

Makar was unable to attend Saturday’s induction because of a previous commitment, with his award accepted by Dr. J.K. Luthra.

Makar has been a part of the Weirton community since the early 1970s, founding the first cardiac catheterization lab in the area. While he has had a lengthy medical career, Luthra said his greatest joy is his family, and encouraging residents to cherish each moment.

Glyptis has been president of United Steelworkers Local 2911 since 1991, leading local steelworkers through the ebbs and flows of the industry, contributing to local organizations and supporting various charitable efforts.

“Our town is well recognized, and it’s a privilege to work in this community,” he said, offering words of encouragement to the perseverance of Weirton. “We have a great community. Weirton is never going to give up.”

A coach and educator at Brooke High School for 46 years, Reitter credited the support of his family for helping him to overcome every obstacle, saying he enjoyed being able to offer guidance to generations of student athletes and see their growth and success.

“It takes a village to raise a child. It’s also takes a village to guide an athlete,” Reitter said.

Busick is a 2000 graduate of Weir High, where he competed in both wrestling and football, along with being the school’s first state wrestling champion in more than 20 years and part of the 1998 state championship football team.

After school, he served his community through law enforcement as a West Virginia State Trooper.

“Weirton is like no other city I’ve been to,” Busick said, noting Saturday also was he and his wife’s 11th wedding anniversary which, typically, is considered the “Steel Anniversary.”

Established by Weirton Council in 2008, the Weirton Hall of Fame honors those who have dedicated themselves to the service of the Weirton community, going back to the city’s incorporation in 1947.

Plaques showcasing each induction class are on display in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center.