Rodney J. Anselene

Rodney Joseph Anselene, 61, died at his home in Fairmont WV before noon Monday, Jan. 27 2025. While he knew he was no match for cancer, he stayed on his feet and fought until his last breath. He was born April 19, 1963, the youngest of five children born to Arthur and Esther Teresa (Prozzillo) Anselene.

He lived his entire life in Fairmont and never had a desire to leave the city or the state of West Virginia.
Rodney helped his parents, now deceased, from an early age in both of their businesses and later assisted them as they aged.

He married his college sweetheart, Cindy Snyder, on June 20, 1987 in her hometown of Weirton WV. They were blessed with four children: Ashley (Brandon) Shifflet, Alexis (fiancé Rob), and twins Justin (Bryanna) and Caleb (Victoria). He was happy to learn his first grandchild, Leo Joseph, was expected this coming June.

He graduated from East Fairmont High School Class of 1982 and he was pleased he was able to return there several years later to teach health, history and physical education and coach tennis, retiring in December 2019. He graduated from Fairmont State College in 1986 where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity. In 1999 he obtained his Master's Degree in health education from West Virginia University.
In addition to EFHS he taught one year in Ritchie County and then began his teaching career in Marion County with several years at Monongah Middle School. Sports were an integral part of his life beginning with playing tennis for his high school team, including qualifying multiple years for state competitions. He later went on to coach tennis at EFHS and FSC, now FSU, and also enjoyed giving private lessons.

For the past several years he played pickleball, traveling as far as Florida and California to participate. He also served as a representative for Head sporting goods.

He did many side jobs but none he relished more than selling trees and making wreaths at East Park Christmas Trees. He started selling them with his dad, later with his older brother and finally with his twin sons. He had worked with the Marion County Commission in recent years getting beautiful cut trees erected on the courthouse lawn for the enjoyment of all. He never could stand being idle and was always getting involved in something — the last being Frito Lay distribution in Marion and Harrison county supermarkets.

Even with all his work commitments, he made sure family and church came first. He was happiest surrounded by his loved ones, especially if it involved food or cooking, whether in the kitchen, on the grill or at a park or family reunion site. He had also been actively researching his family's history.
When his children were younger he participated in their activities, attending countless games, matches and competitions.

He remained close to his brother Art and sister-in-law Susan, and sisters Linda Kirk, Brenda J. and Toni Layoun and her husband Michel. He is further survived by his in-laws David and Barbara Snyder and his brother-in-law Duke (Amber). His extended family included 11 nieces and nephews, eight great nieces and nephews and a host of cousins.

He had been an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and will be returned there for his funeral.

Visitation will be held at Ross Funeral Home, 801 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont, on Sunday Feb 2 from 1-4 pm and 6-8 p.m. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Kishore Varaparla, H.G.N. as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens on East Grafton Road.