Santella & Axe Funeral Home

10/04/2025

David H. “Pooch” Johnson
1938 - 2025

David H. “Pooch” Johnson, 86, Altoona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Joseph M. Johnson Jr. and Elsie (Carland) Johnson. He later married Elaine A. Over.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; 2 sons: Jon C. (Summer) Over Sr. and Richard J. Vance Sr.; a daughter, Michele A. Johnson; 13 grandchildren: Kristin, Jocelyn, Ashley, Victoria, Jon Jr., Kelly, Jennifer, Rebecca, Alyssa, Hilda, Kaylee, Richard Jr., and Malakye; 13 great-grandchildren: Kaidence, Adelynn, Priscilla, Winnie, Jon III, Camayla, Charlie, Mason, Harmony, Matthias, Nicholas, Nyles and Noah; 4 siblings: Richard “Dick” (Eunice) “Red” Johnson, Ralph (Joyce) Johnson, Toni Lang and Debbie Coyler; and numerous nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Koen; and siblings: Joseph, Ernest “Butch”, Dorotha and an infant brother.
David was a graduate of Altoona High School. He retired as a food service worker from the Veteran’s Nursing Home after 28 years of service.
He enjoyed Bingo, camping, the beach and spending time with family at home.
Friends will be received from 4pm until the 6pm funeral service on Wednesday, October, 8, 2025 at the Axe & Santella Family Chapel, 1534 – Fourth St. Altoona PA 16601. Interment will be at Blair Memorial Park.

www.santellafuneralhome.com

10/04/2025

Ryan M. Duffey
1989 - 2025

Ryan M. Duffey, 36, Altoona, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025. He was born in Evansville, IN, son of Kirk Duffey and Connie (Robert) Lantz.
He is survived by his parents; step-father, Robert; wife, Christina Marshall Duffey; aunts and uncles: Kevin Keefer, Denise Maselli and Lonna Chamblee; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ryan was preceded in death by a sister, Shannon Duffey; an uncle, Shawn Keefer; and his beloved dogs, Brutus and Gemma.
Ryan was a graduate of Hollidaysburg High School and studied welding at VoTech.
He enjoyed music, guitars and had a huge heart for his animals.
Friends will be received from 4pm until the 6pm funeral service on Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Axe & Santella Family Chapel, 1534 – Fourth St. Altoona PA 16601.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Leslie E. Axe Funeral Home, 1520 – Fourth St. Altoona PA 16601 or
https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/funeral-expenses-for-ryan-m-duffey/14475/

10/01/2025

Ja-Quin Donshay "Buckz" Forbes
1991 ~ 2025


Ja-Quin Donshay “Buckz” Forbes, 34 of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at his home in Altoona.
Ja-Quin was born in Queens, New York on August 28, 1991 to Suzanne Miller and John J. Forbes, Jr.
In addition to his parents, Ja-Quin is survived by his loving children; Jy’Cere C. Forbes, and his mother Cheryl “Megan” Hartman of Altoona; Jah’mari M. Forbes, Ja’mias J. Forbes, Journee A. Forbes, Ja’aliyah R. Forbes, and their mother Angelica M. Ruscio of Altoona, PA.; his loving siblings: Latoya L. Forbes, Tonya N. Rolley, John J. Forbes III, Janei S. Forbes, Jonisha N. Forbes, Tiffany S. Forbes, Jahiem Forbes, Jaliek Forbes, and Jayon Forbes; a paternal grandmother, Elmeria Forbes; many nieces and nephews: including Qaya and Keriah Rolley, and Adler Forbes McElhinney; and many cousins, aunts, uncles.
Ja-Quin is preceded in death by his loving maternal grandparents: Fannie Mae “Nana” Miller and Alexander “Pop” Miller; and a paternal grandfather, John J. Forbes, Sr.
Ja-Quin loved all things music. His art was commonly identified with his rap artist name, Buckz Sinatra or Slimetoven. Ja-Quin also loved producing and performing music and had a natural artistic ability.
Friends will be received on October 11, 2025 at the Axe & Santella Family Chapel, 1534 4th Street, Altoona, PA., 16601 from 10AM - 1PM & 3PM-5PM with a funeral service at 5 PM with Pastor Matthew Burns.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to assist with funeral services in Ja-Quin’s name to Santella Funeral Home, 1106-8th Ave. Altoona PA 16602 or to the Treasured Memories Funding at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/funeral-expenses-for-ja-quin-forbes/14456/

www.santellafuneralhome.com

09/30/2025

Patrick W. Dellape, Sr.
1968 - 2025

Patrick W. Dellape Sr., 77, Hollidaysburg, passed away Thursday at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Daniel and Mary Alice (O’Brien) Dellape.
Graduate of Altoona High School class of 1967.
On Aug. 3, 1968, he married Bernadine Bryan.
He is survived by the love of his life, Bernadine; a son, Dan (Jackie) Dellape, of West Chester; a daughter, Julie (David) Hunter, of Hollidaysburg; seven grandchildren: Quinn, Emilie, Olivia and Ella Hunter and Brooke, Danny and Brielle Dellape; several nieces and nephews; and many loving friends.
Pat was preceded in death by a son, Patrick Dellape Jr.; two brothers, Dan and Richard Dellape; and a granddaughter, Ilana Hunter.
Pat served in the United States Navy including four tours in Vietnam. He later worked as the manager for Shop and Save Super Markets and as a salesman for Ge**er Products and an entrepreneur.
He enjoyed family time, motorcycles, antique cars, carpentry, camping and traveling.
He was a member of the Bavarian Aid Society, Newburg Social Club and a former member of the VFW.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at Santella Funeral Home. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.

www.santellafuneralhome.com

09/25/2025

On September 11th of this year, the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association held a District Meeting at the Blair County Convention Center where area funeral directors had the chance to come out for continuing education.

We brought along our 9/11 Memorial Flag of Honor to present, which entails all the names of the Americans that died during this tragic terorrist attack on our Country. This flag was presented to Santella Funeral Home by Homesteaders Life Insurance Company whom holds irrevocable interest bearing burial accounts for funeral funding for Santella Funeral Home.

We continue to honor these American’s and keep their memory.

“Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of our brothers and sisters, and all the souls of the faithful departed , through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. “

09/22/2025

From our family to yours...THANK YOU to all who voted for Santella Funeral Home during this year's Altoona Hometown Favorites. We truly appreciate your time and loyalty to our funeral home as we always strive to provide dignified services to every family.

Results will be announced December 8th!

09/17/2025

We thank you for the continued support !

Now through September 14.

09/12/2025

Robert C. ‘Bob’ Fochler
Aug. 23, 1948 – Sept. 10, 2025

Robert C. “Bob” Fochler, 77, of Altoona, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday at Van Zandt VA Medical Center, his loving wife by his side. Bob was born in Altoona, son of the late Robert L. and Harriet G. (Burket) Fochler.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Joseph Fochler; Anna’s parents; and a brother-in-law, Lannie.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Anna DeCriscio Fochler, whom he married on July 27, 2005; his loving siblings: Harriet (Frank) Davis, Debbie Fochler, Theresa (Terry) Fochler, Christine (Ed) Crognale, Ray (Julie) Fochler and Henry (Sherri) Fochler; his sister-in-law, Carol (Bill) Adams; brother-in-law, Edmund DeCriscio; Anna’s extended family; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served from 1968-78.
He worked as a “Jack of all Trades” for most of his life.
Bob was Christian by faith. He loved spending time with family, and being a member at the VFW Post #8724.
Friends will be received from 2 until the 4 p.m. funeral service Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at The Axe & Santella Family Chapel, 1534 Fourth St., Altoona, with Pastor Robin A. Ross officiating.
Arrangements are by Santella Funeral Home.

www.santellafuneralhome.com

09/05/2025

Gerald “Jerry” Balasco
1930-2025

Friends are welcome to join us this morning for a Funeral Mass at 12 noon for Jerry.
A Visitation is being held from 10 AM at the funeral home until the mass at Our lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

This morning we are honoring Jerry and his love for Antiques and history by using our 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood for our Proccesion to Calvary Cemetery as well as our 1958 Cadillac Hearse.

09/01/2025

Gerald M. "Jerry" Balasco
1930 ~ 2025

Friends will be received on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 10 until Noon.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Our lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church following the visitation at Noon.
Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

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08/30/2025

Come see us down at the Annual Blair County Antique Auto Club Car Show in Downtown Altoona, Heritage Plaza. We have our 1958 Cadillac Hearse out until 7 PM that we still use today for Funeral Services. This year the Auto Club celebrates 50 Years !