Pops was a retired coalminer with 49 years of experience. He worked at Orlandi, Ridgeview and Carbon Fuel companies and retired from Kanawha Coal's Madison Mine. Pops was born in Kayford, the son of immigrants, Silvestro and Maria D. Luna. His father was killed in the coalmines when he was a teenager. Being the oldest of three siblings, he and his mother worked hard to keep their family together. Pops, as a boy, worked in a store at Stickney for 25 cents per day and was give scraps of butchered meat the store didn't use. His mother sewed for people, farmed, sold eggs and, from time to time, would keep a boarder to survive. Pops entered the mines as a young boy of 16. Fellow miners over the years often said he could outwork any three men. He joined the UMWA in 1934 when union dues were 50 cents per year. He was a member for 74 years. Over the years, he held several positions in his union local and was a member of Compact. He could be the longest-serving member of the UMWA in the United States.
Pops was preceded in death by his wife, Carneda; brother, Ross; sister, Julia, father, Silvestro; and mother, Maria. He is survived by one son, Joe Jr.; grandchildren, Tony Tagliente and Karla Jo; great-grandsons, Hunter Dingess and Luke Tagliente; nephews, Dwight Epling, Eugene Payne and William Fielder Jr.; grandnephews, Mat and Jordan Epling and Josh Wright; niece, Carolyn Weaver, Renne and Bobby; and special friend, Mary Tagliente. Funeral service was Sunday, Sept. 7, in Pineview Cemetery Chapel, Orgas, with the Rev. Roger Halstead officiating. Burial followed in the cemetery. Stevens Funeral Home, Madison, is in charge of arrangements.
“The Last Mantrip”
Down in the mines at the close of the day
When miners all place their shovels away
They walk through the dark and meet at the place
Where they'll ride to the top - the mantrip awaits.
The darkness subsides, the labor is done
Their family awaits their heading toward home.
Finally on top, the mantrip arrives
The light of the day bedazzles their eyes
They don their clean clothes - all just the right size
And spot their loved ones - the spirit revives.
Was it worth it - all the troubles
Risks taken and shifts doubled?
See earth's riches turned to rubble
Gone in an instant as a bubble.
Is life's hardship worth the pain
What's to lose, what's to gain?
Comes the answer, clear and plain
From that one stepping off the train,
“No more pain, nor more sorrow
Joy and hope for all tomorrow!”
Pops, as you board “the last mantrip” to heaven, don't work too hard when you get there. Loved by your son,
Joe Jr., Tony and Karla
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