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Dr. Carmel Ann Esposito, 92, of Follansbee, WV, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Wyngate Senior Living Community in Weirton, WV, where she had been a resident for the past sixteen months. Prior to moving to Wyngate, she was a proud resident of Follansbee for more than sixty years.
Born on January 6, 1934, in Masury, Ohio, Carmel was the daughter of the late Albert and Julia (Reda) Fortine. She married the love of her life, John Esposito, on June 25, 1955. Together they shared forty wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 1995. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Albert Fortine Jr.
Dr. Esposito devoted her life to nursing, education, community service, and her Catholic faith. She graduated from Sharon General School of Nursing in 1954 and began her career as a staff nurse at Sharon General Hospital. In 1966, she and her husband relocated to Follansbee, where she joined the staff at the former Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville, Ohio, serving in the Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, and Medical- Surgical units.
While working full-time and raising a family, Carmel pursued higher education with unwavering determination. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Liberty University in 1978 and soon accepted a position as an instructor at the Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing. Through her dedication and leadership, she became Level II Chairperson of Medical-Surgical Nursing.
Continuing her pursuit of excellence, she received her Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University in 1983. Throughout her career at Ohio Valley Hospital, later Trinity School of Nursing, she served in numerous teaching and administrative roles. In 1988, she became the NCLEX Review Site Coordinator and Educational Consultant for the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation Medical Department.
In May 1993, Carmel achieved what she considered her greatest professional accomplishment when she earned her Doctor of Education in Administration from West Virginia University. She often regarded this achievement as one of the proudest moments of her life. She continued educating and mentoring future nurses at Trinity School of Nursing until her retirement in 2001.
Dr. Esposito's influence extended well beyond the classroom. She was recognized nationally in Who's Who in American Nursing and was an active member of both the West Virginia League for Nursing and the National League for Nursing. Throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous awards and certificates recognizing her scholarship, leadership, and dedication to nursing education.
Her commitment to serving others included work with the Greater Steubenville AIDS Task Force, serving as Chairperson of the Brooke County Red Cross, and participation on advisory boards for First American Home Care Corporation and the Ohio Board of Nursing. She also volunteered with RSVP, was a member of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce, the Follansbee Woman's Club, and the Red Hat Society.
A devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Follansbee, Carmel faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish Finance Committee, and member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life.
Among her many honors, Dr. Esposito was named Follansbee Citizen of the Year and, most recently, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Nursing Education and Service for the State of West Virginia, presented by Governor Patrick Morrisey. Throughout her remarkable career, she educated hundreds of nurses whose lives and careers were forever shaped by her guidance, compassion, and dedication. Her contributions to healthcare, education, her community, and St. Anthony Parish are immeasurable, and her legacy will continue through the countless lives she touched.
She is survived by her loving children, Daniel Esposito of Morgantown, West Virginia, Mariann (Jeff) Davis of Weirton, West Virginia, and Keith (Dr. Beth Ann) Esposito of Fairmont, West Virginia; her grandchildren, Joseph (Ashley) Davis, Jeffrey (Shyan) Davis, Dr. Jacob (Alexandra) Davis, Sarah Esposito (Dylan Rundle), and Olivia Esposito; her cherished great-grand daughters, Ella, Remi, Rylynne, and Francesca Carmela Davis; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carmel found her greatest joy in her family. She treasured holidays spent together, loved traveling, reading, and taking long walks. She was an exceptional cook who delighted in preserving and sharing the traditions of her Italian heritage with those she loved. Her warmth, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family created memories that will be cherished for generations.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and staff of Wyngate Senior Living Community for the compassionate care they provided during her residency. They also wish to thank the many friends she made there who enriched her life with kindness, companionship, and love.
Education remained one of Carmel's greatest passions. In keeping with her lifelong commitment to nursing, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Carmel Esposito Memorial Scholarship, in care of Trinity School of Nursing, Steubenville, Ohio. Through this scholarship, deserving nursing students will continue to benefit from her generosity and commitment to the profession she so dearly loved.
Family and friends will be received at Mullenbach Funeral Home, Follansbee, WV, on Sunday, July 12 from 2-6 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
A Catholic funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony Catholic Church, at 1017 Virginia Ave. in Follansbee, WV on Monday, July 13 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Father Gerald Muoka officiating.
Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Farrell, Pennsylvania, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, John.
Dr. Carmel Ann Esposito lived a life defined by faith, family, education, and service. Her extraordinary example of compassion, perseverance, and dedication will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Health System Foundation at 4000 Johnson Road, Steubenville, OH 43952.
Condolences may be sent to: www.mullenbachfh.com