Lawrence B. Ciccarelli

Lawrence B. “Chic” Ciccarelli was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991.

Born in Harrison County, W.Va., in 1926, Ciccarelli left Shinnston High School in 1944 to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served in numerous battles during World War II and, though awarded the Purple Heart, declined the honor, feeling he had not earned it.

After the war, Ciccarelli worked in the coal mines before completing his GED and enrolling at WVU in 1947. A walk-on football player under Coach Bill Kern, he earned a scholarship after preseason practices and went on to have a standout career on the varsity team. In 1950, his teammates elected him captain—a role he considered one of his greatest honors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1951.

Ciccarelli began his business career with Cooke-Wilson Electric Company and, after 15 years, rose to a controlling ownership role. He later co-founded Com-Ral Chain Company, growing both businesses into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with headquarters in Beckley, W.Va., and operations in seven states.

He married fellow WVU graduate Mary Hansford, with whom he had two children, Larry Jr. and Debby. Ciccarelli remained a generous supporter of WVU and the School of Physical Education, contributing to numerous university and civic causes in the Beckley area.