Milton Fabianich, the last surviving member of the Weirton Last Man’s Club, reviewed the list of 95 deceased members on the club plaque during the annual meeting of the club. Fabianich held his annual meeting Sunday night at American Legion Post 10 with Post Commander Vic Folder, Ward 4 Councilman George Ash and World War II veteran Guy Ceraolo of Weirton.
WEIRTON, W.Va. — Milton Fabianich was 17 years old when he volunteered for the U.S. Army during World War II.
“I was still in high school but I quit and told the recruiters I was really 18. I never got my high school diploma but I wanted to do my share,” Fabianich related Sunday night during the annual Last Man’s Club of Weirton dinner at the American Legion Post 10.
It was the second year for Fabianich to preside over the meeting where he is the sole remaining living member of the club.
“Johnnie Moore died two years ago and now it is just me. I knew him since 1950 and I miss him. There is no joy in being the last man. So many friends have gone on before me. But I will toast the 95 men who were members of the club until I am gone,” the 87-year old Fabianich declared after he made the traditional toast.
“I remember most of the guys who were in the club and special little stories about them. They were my friends and colleagues,” declared Fabianich.
He then read the 95 names of the club members who have died.
Fabianich was joined by three friends for the dinner at the American Legion Post 10 Sunday including 95-year old Guy Ceraolo of Weirton.
“I don’t know why I never joined the Last Man’s Club. I guess I never really thought about it. But I will be here for Milton as long as I am around,” Ceraolo promised.
Vic Folden, commander of Post 10 and Weirton Ward 4 Councilman George Ash, both Vietnam War veterans, joined Fabianich at the table.
“I still consider you members of the Greatest Generation,” Folden told Fabianich and Ceraolo.
“It all started in 1956 when Robert Adams and Norman Gracie started the World War II Last Man’s Club. They got the idea from John Hertnick who had started the World War I Last Man’s Club…