Emilio Frank ‘Shorty’ Gola

He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to Michele Dominic “Mike” and Maria “Mary” Bolsani Gola.

Frank graduated from Victory High School and proudly served his country for two years in the United States Army.

Throughout his life he was known as a dedicated worker and provider. He worked at Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company and later spent many years as a housing contractor before working at Elkins Hardwood Dimension.

A man of deep faith and commitment to his community, Frank served as a trustee at Woodford Church for 14 years. He quietly gave his time and effort to the church and to those around him.

Frank was a humble, kind, and good-humored man whose gentle personality made him easy to love. He enjoyed the simple things in life — working in his garden, spending time woodworking, and cooking for family and friends. He was especially known for making his own homemade ravioli, which became a cherished family tradition.

Above all, Shorty loved his family. Few things brought him more joy than watching his grandchildren play sports and spending time with them whenever he could.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Sue Huffman Gola; two daughters, Denise Gola Stauber and her husband, Renaud Stauber, and Donna Smith and her husband, Paul Smith.

He was a proud grandfather to Matthew Wallace, Logan Smith (wife Kamrin), Brendan Wallace and Kaitlin Trickett (husband EJ).

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his siblings, Carl Gola, Dominic Gola and Catherine Robinson.

Friends and family will be received at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Final Rites will be conducted from the funeral home on Saturday at 1 p.m.

The Rev. Tim Edin will officiate, and interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens at Mt. Clare, West Virginia, where full military honors will be accorded by members of the WV National Guard Honor Guard Program and the Harrison County Honor Guard.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Frank’s memory.

Frank will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his dedication to family, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.