Santella & Axe Funeral Home

04/09/2026

MICHELLE LEE. POPE

 Family and Friends are invited to a viewing from 1230 until the time of Funeral Service at the Axe & Santella Family Chapel, Today, April 9, 2026.

 A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM at The Axe and Santella Family Chapel with Pastor Fred E. Hickok.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Michelle-Pope

04/09/2026

We would like to extend a special thank you to the United States Army Active Duty Military Honor Guard out of Fort Meade, MD, and the Blair County Honor Guard for providing full military honors for Lt. Col. George M. Lightner, Jr.

Lt. Col. Lightner faithfully served our country for 30 years, completing intelligence missions in Vietnam, Japan, and Panama. Among his military decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Medal of Honor.

The Blair County Honor Guard is a completely volunteer organization that provides military honors to the veterans of Blair County with dignity and respect. They never ask for anything in return, so donations in support of their mission are always appreciated.

If you see members of the honor guard in our community, please take a moment to thank them for their continued service to our nation’s veterans.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Lt. Col. Lightner.

May his soul, and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

04/06/2026

AGNES TURCHETTA
1929 - 2026

Agnes Turchetta,96, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Monday, April 6, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family in Altoona.
Agnes was born on December 1, 1929 in Juniata, PA., to the late Anna (Waschalk) and Michael Mayernick.
In addition to her parents, Agnes is preceded in death by her loving son John M. Turchetta; her late sisters; Margaret (Jerry) Caracciolo, Rose (Merrill)Troxell and her brother’s; Richard & Bill Mayernick, and John (Barbara) Mayernick.
Agnes is survived by her loving children; Patricia “Patty” Turchetta, Pam Turchetta, both of Altoona, PA., her siblings; William (Mary) Mayernick, John (Barbara) Mayernick, Charles Mayernick, Donald Mayernick, Rose (Merill) Troxell, Dorothy (Tom) Mallin, Mary Mayernick, Catherine Mayernick, and Eileen Mayernick all of Altoona, PA., her 3 loving grandchildren David, Michael, Matthew and great grandchildren Mason & Rylee.
Agnes was Catholic by faith and a member at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Altoona, PA. She loved her family much and served them as homemakers for many years. Agnes was very talented in her hobbies when it came to her hobbies in baking, cooking and sewing. The family would like to give a special thanks to all of Patty’s friends and Coworkers who helped get through this difficult time as well as a special thank you to Pinnacle Home Health Hospice.

A Viewing will be held at The Santella Funeral Home, 1106 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA., 16602 on Thursday April 9, 2026 from 3-5PM.
A Funeral Service will be held the following day at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 9 AM with committal service immediately following at Calvary Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be sent in Agnes’s Name to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Organ Fund, 806 11th Street, Altoona, PA., 16601.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Agnes-Turchetta

04/05/2026

MICHELLE LEE POPE
1974 - 2026

Michelle was born on July 12,1974 in Altoona to Ernest Pope Jr and Arlene (Nagle) Warner. Michelle attended the Life Skills program at Altoona Area High School where she graduated in 1995. After graduation, Michelle attended Skills of Central Pennsylvania where she made many lifelong friends until her "retirement" in 2019.
Michelle had a smile that could warm the coldest room and a soul that felt only love for the people she was around. Together, with her best friend "Buddy" they brought out the best in people. Whether a trip to the beach, a swim in the pool, a stroll through the zoo or just simply coloring and building puzzles, Buddy was always there. Through the good times and the bad, the memories made were what carried her through.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father Ernest Pope Jr, a brother Robert Pope Sr, paternal grandparents Ernest Pope Sr and Marguerite (Peggy) Pope, maternal grandparents Donald E and Norma Jean Nagle, paternal aunt Lisa Rickabaugh, paternal uncle Todd Pope, maternal uncles Michael Nagle, Craig Nagle, Donald Berry and a Cousin Trisha Hoffman.

Michelle is survived by her Mother Arlene Warner of Altoona, Stepfather Tom Strayer of Tyrone, a brother Ernest Pope III (Sharon) of Hollidaysburg, a stepbrother Matthew Strayer of Pittsburgh, a nephew Austin Pope of Indiana Pa, a nephew Holdon Pope (Kylee) of Altoona, a niece Sydney Pope (Isaac) of Altoona, Aunt Linda Berry of Maryland, Uncles David (Rosie) Pope of Altoona, Glenn Davis of Pottsville Pa, Richard (Nyla) Pope of Oregon, Scott Pope of Altoona, William Pope of Altoona, Donald Jr (Darlene) Nagle of Altoona, Kenneth (Jenny) Nagle of Altoona, Ronald (Lynn) Nagle of Altoona and many cousins , great nieces, and great nephews and lifelong friends who became family along the way.
Michelle was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Altoona where she attended services with her mom and buddy faithfully.

Family and friends will be received for a public viewing from 3 to 5 PM & 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Leslie Axe Funeral Home, 1520 fourth Street Altoona PA 16601.
A Funeral will take place on Thursday, April 9 at 1 PM at the Axe in Santella family Chapel, 1534 4th St. Altoona PA 16601, with interment privately at Calvary Cemetery at the family's convenience.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Michelle-Pope

04/03/2026

LORETTA MAE MANGIA
1957-2026

Loretta Mae Mangia, 68, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 2, 2026 surrounded by her family at UPMC Altoona.
Loretta was born on December 21, 1957 to the late Patricia Keith whom she rejoins in heaven only passing away 4 days earlier on March 30, 2026.
In addition to her mother, Loretta is preceded in death by an Uncle Alfred Torso and a sister Debra.
Loretta is survived by her loving daughter Kristen (Paul Cogan III) Mangia of Boca Raton, Florida, her siblings Todd Keith of Altoona, PA., and David Keith of Waukesha, Wisconsin and her loving grandchildren Ava Cogan and Paul Cogan IV.
Loretta loved to cook for her family and was an avid animal lover, most importantly her cats and dogs.
Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Loretta-Mangia

04/03/2026

LT. COL. GEORGE MORRISON LIGHTNER, JR.
1938 - 2026

Lieutenant Colonel George M. Lightner, Jr., 87, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 surrounded by his family at his home in Hollidaysburg.
George was born in Huntington, PA., on October 3, 1938, to the late Helen C. Sassaman and George M. Lightner, Sr.
In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his brother Samuel L. Lightner.
George is survived by the love of his life Patricia L. (Turnbaugh) Lightner whom he married on August 30, 1958, at the Juniata United Methodist Church, his loving daughter Tina L.(John) Lightner-Morris of Gaithersburg, Maryland, nieces; Judie Hollen, Cindy Stevens, and a nephew Kenny Hollen.
George was Catholic by faith and a member of Our lady of Mount Carmel Church in Altoona. After Graduating from Juniata Valley High School in High School in 1957, George went on to join the 491st Engineer Battalion, of the Army Reserve in Huntington in 1956. He entered onto active duty in 1957 and advanced to the rank of Staff Sergent before receiving a direct commission as a second Lieutenant. Lightner served in various army intelligence assignments often as a field operative in Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Panama. Among his military decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal and the Vietnamese Metal of Honor. He is a graduate of the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
He received a Bachelor of Science and later a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona Tucson and a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Retiring from the U.S. Army in 1991, LTC Lightner owned and operated a shipping brokerage business in Baltimore, Maryland, before again retiring and returning to his place of birth in Alexandria in 1999.
He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Army War College Association. He is a Past Exalted Ruler of the Huntington BPO Elks Lodge 976; a director of the Harslog Heritage Museum Board of Directors; and a past member of the Executive Board, Juniata Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America.
George loved all things outdoors, including the trees, flowers, plants and many outdoor activities including hunting and fishing.
Friends and Family will be received on Wednesday April 8, 2026, from 930AM to 1030 AM at Santella Funeral Home until the time of the Funeral Mass.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Wednesday April 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM with interment immediately following at Calvary Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be sent in George’s name to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 806 11th Street, Altoona, PA., 16601.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/LtColGeorge-Lightner

04/03/2026

PATRICIA LOUISE KEITH
1932 - 2026

Patricia L. Keith, 94, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, entered eternal rest on Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by her family at UPMC Altoona.
Patricia was born January 27, 1932, in Altoona, PA., to the late Helen Cecelia Martino and Michael J. Torso.
In addition to her parents, Patricia is preceded in death by her brother, Alfred J. Torso, her son Karl and her daughters Debra and Loretta.
Patricia bore six children. Patricia is survived by her remaining children, David, Karla, and Todd, many grandchildren, and two nieces and nephews.
Patricia was Christian by faith and loved gardening as well as taking care of the nature and animals in her backyard. She provided them food and water daily and was particularly fond of her groundhogs and squirrels.
She dearly loved her grandchildren and was an avid fan of Elvis Presley and Jack Nicholson. She loved Steelers football. She loved her neighbors and they loved her, always helping take care of one another.
Patricia graduated from Altoona high school in 1949, and shortly thereafter she went to the University of Philadelphia School of Nursing. Patricia worked as a surgical technician at the former Altoona Hospital (now UPMC) until her retirement. She made numerous friends in the medical profession during her work years, many of whom she remained in touch with for the rest of her life.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Patricia-Keith

04/01/2026

RONALD LYNN HAMMOND
1951 - 2026

Ronald Lynn “Ron” Hammond, 75, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 27, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family in Cape Coral, Florida.
Ronald was born in Altoona, PA., on January 17, 1951 to the late Mary E. (Rinick) and Edwin J. Hammond.
In addition to his parents, Ronald is preceded in death by his Wife, Jeanie (Bender) Hammond who passed January 22, 1996.
Ronald is survived by his loving partner, Charlene Beckwith of Altoona, PA., his step-children; Donette (Rob) Speck of Millcreek, PA., Nicole (Nick) Washburn of Bokeelia, FL., Justin (Danna) Harkleroad of Little Elm, Texas., Kenan ( Natalie) Harkleroad of Oklahoma City, OK., his grandchildren; Xaviaire (Amanda) Walters of Ocala, FL., Sutton and Michael Speck of Mill Creek, PA., and his brother; Harold Hammond of Huntington, PA., and countless other beloved family and friends.
Ron was Baptist by faith throughout his life. He graduated from Tyrone Senior High School shortly before attending Penn State University studying Industrial Arts and Teaching and Education. After graduating from PSU in 1973, he went on to work for Raybestos of Manhattan as an Engineer before following his passion of becoming a schoolteacher where he worked for Penn Cambria School District until retirement in 2006. Ron loved teaching and interacting with all the students. For the past 25 years, He and his partner Charlene, owned, managed and renovated Trainmens Hall Apartments, taking pride in providing a welcoming home for their tenants. Ron was a member of the Penn State Alumni Association and a lifetime member of the Altoona Railroad Museum. He also loved spending his free time with his family, woodworking, gardening and of course his love for trains.

Friends and Family will be received for a Public Viewing at the Santella Funeral Home, 1106 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA., 16601 on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 5 PM to 9PM with a prayer vigil at 7PM.
A Funeral Service will be held at Santella Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:30 AM with interment immediately following at Logan Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions can be sent in Ron's name to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 806 11th Street, Altoona, PA., 16602.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Ronald-Hammond

04/01/2026

💡💙LIGHT UP APRIL BLUE💙💡

If you drive past our funeral homes this month and notice something a little different, it’s because we are lighting our buildings blue in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Santella & Axe Funeral Homes are proud to partner with FSI Center For Child Justice to help raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse.

All four funeral directors at Santella Funeral Home are licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and serve as mandated reporters, completing continuing education each year to stay trained in recognizing and reporting the signs of child abuse. Protecting the children in our community is a responsibility we take very seriously.

If you see our buildings glowing blue this month, know that it is a symbol of support for the children and families in our community.

Join us in shining a light on this important cause. 💙

"We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear."— Nelson Mandela

03/30/2026

ALFRED J TORSO
1934 - 2026

Alfred J. Torso, 92, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 surrounded by his family at UPMC Altoona.
Alfred was born on October 11, 1934 in Altoona, PA., to the late Helena Mary (Martino) and Michael J. Turzi.
Alfred survives by a sister Patricia Louise Torso of Altoona, and numerous loving nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Alfred was Catholic by faith and often attended St. Mark’s Catholic Church on 6th Avenue. Alfred graduated from Altoona High School in the class of 1952 and shortly thereafter became a Mail Handler at the State College Post Office. Alfred also served our country as a United States Marine.
Services for Alfred will be held later at the convenience of the Family.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Alfred-Torso

03/27/2026

https://www.altoonamirror.com/obituaries/2026/03/winifred-winnie-degennaro/

Winifred “Winnie” DeGennaro, 89, of Altoona, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home, where a prayer vigil will take place at 3 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at St. ...