Obituary

Nicholas r. “corky” demarco embraced life and those he loved.
He died unexpectedly early friday, july 8, at his home in pinch. He was 68. His loss is profound to family, friends, associates and west virginia.
Surviving are his wife, catherine, sons, matt demarco and joey demarco and his wife, katie and their daughter, eliza; his stepson, jason milano and his wife, sohini, and their son, arjun; his sister, cathy, and her husband, wib wood.
He was born in charleston in 1948, the son of the late nicholas and betty demarco. He graduated from charleston catholic high school and west virginia state college.
Demarco devoted himself to his family while he worked tirelessly with innumerable friends and business associates to create economic opportunities in his native state. He became executive director of the west virginia oil and natural gas association in 2002, dramatically built its membership during the past 14 years and promoted natural gas development, which created economic benefits and employment opportunities for thousands of west virginians.
Previously, he had a long career as an administrator in the west virginia department of health and human resources. He joined the administration of gov. Cecil h. Underwood in 1997 and served as director of operations.
Demarco’s family and friends knew him for his quick wit, humor and keen political and governmental insights. Most of all, they remember him for his loyalty and integrity. He believed in caring for his family and community. He fought passionately for his beliefs. He would rather help a friend or stranger than acknowledge any difficulties he may have had.
He spoke plainly, truthfully and insightfully. He was comfortable meeting in corporate boardrooms, managing government agencies and trekking to rivers and through forests to fish and hunt.
He fondly recalled his sons’ athletic endeavors and respected their professional accomplishments. He was a proud husband, father, stepfather and grandfather. His family life often centered around the kitchen and the remarkable meals he and catherine prepared for family and friends.
After the demarcos’ pinch home flooded last month and they worked to recover, he volunteered to help others overcome their flood-related losses. For that reason, the demarco family encourages friends to donate to the ongoing flood-relief efforts.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.M. Tuesday, july 12, 2016 at barlow bonsall funeral home, with a visitation for the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home