Gary Eugene Albertazzie

Gary Eugene Albertazzie, 70, passed away at Mon Health Medical Center on Saturday, October 31, 2026. He was born November 19, 1955 in Morgantown to the late Earl L. Albertazzie and the late Mary Fletcher Albertazzie.

Gary attended Morgantown High School where he played football for the Mohigans. Following graduation, he embarked on a successful career as a local businessman and entrepreneur. He managed Command Performance salon in St. Albans, WV where he took great pride as a precision hair cutter and stylist. 

For over 27 years, Gary and his wife, Tia, owned and operated TCBY in Morgantown. Always creative in business, he briefly opened the Chicken Coupe Cafe, a BBQ chicken restaurant adjoining TCBY, and later began serving Sam’s Hot Dogs topped with his own unique, homemade chili recipe that developed a devoted, cult-like following among the lunch crowd and regulars alike. 

In addition to his business ventures, Gary served the community as a dedicated school bus driver for the Monongalia County Board of Education, driving bus 285.

Gary enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, but above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially carrying on a family tradition of playing Santa Clause during the holidays.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Tia Dawn (Groscup) Albertazzie; brother, Tom Albertazzie (Jolie), sisters, Mary Ann Albertazzie and Denise Albertazzie Smith; brother-in-law, Reece Groscup; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his in-laws, Stacy Groscup and Marguerite Groscup; sister-in-law, Susan Albertazzie; brother, Skip Albertazzie; and brother-in-law, Bruce Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, PO Box 1090, Dellslow, WV 26531 or WVU Medicine Hospice, 12 Rousch Drive Westover, WV 26501.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

Send condolences to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com