CLARKSBURG -- Shock and disbelief continued to reverberate through Clarksburg Sunday, as news of long-time resident and businessman Dominick Policano's death reached local residents.
Policano was killed in an automobile accident Saturday afternoon on Interstate 79 in Monongalia County.
His wife, Mary Frances, was also involved in the single-vehicle crash and was treated and released from Ruby Memorial, according to a nursing supervisor.
Members of the community remember Policano as a hard-working and astute businessman willing to serve the public.
He was an original member of the Harrison County Planning Commission since its inception in the 1960s and continued to serve until his death, according to Director Terry Schulte.
"It's such a shock. The planning commission will miss him," Schulte said. "He always wanted to be sure everyone was treated equal and was supportive of the staff."
Policano helped guide the implementation of county subdivision regulations and was also instrumental in establishing the Clarksburg Water Filtration Plant, Schulte said.
Former City Manager and Clarksburg Water Board General Manager Patsy Trecost was a friend of Policano's and worked with him throughout the years.
"He did a lot of charitable things people didn't know about like helping schools and churches." Trecost said. "He never wanted credit. If it was in his means to do something, he would do it."
Policano served on the Clarksburg City Council and the Clarksburg Water Board, and developed Rosebud Plaza, Clarksburg Beauty Academy and a successful real-estate business.
County commissioner Roger Diaz recalled Policano's foresight for business and the community.
"The beauty academy brought people to the downtown area," Diaz said. "Students came of course, and the customers would have their hair done and stay in town to have lunch or shop."
Diaz and Policano were friends for more than 20 years.
"He was always a big contributor to the community and he was satisfied just to know he helped people," Diaz said. "He was a gentle man, but also a gentleman."
Staff writer Jennifer Biller can be reached at 626-1449 or jbiller@exponent-telegram.com.
