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Santella & Axe Funeral Home, 1106 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA (2026)

02/18/2026

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, humility, and remembrance.
It reminds us of the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” calling us to pause, reflect, and hold close the lives and legacies of those who have gone before us.

At Santella Funeral Home, we are honored each day to walk alongside families during moments of remembrance, reflection, and love. Today, we keep all those who are grieving in our thoughts and extend our continued support to our community.

May this season bring peace, comfort, and quiet strength to all who need it, Amen.

02/16/2026

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of DENNIS M. “DENNY” JONES whom a private Memorial Service was held for at Santella Funeral Home.

A reminder that friends & family are invited to a Celebration of Life on March 22, 2026 from 12 Noon until 6 P.M. at the Catholic War Veterans Post #1691, 290 Valley Avenue., Altoona, PA., 16601.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and all the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Dennis-DennyJones

02/13/2026

KARAN A. PASQUARIELLO
1947 - 2026

Karan A. Pasquariello, 78, Altoona, passed away Tuesday at Garvey Manor in Hollidaysburg. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Peter “Pete“ and Rosella (Martin) Pasquariello.
Karan is survived by many cousins and friends.
Karan was a 1965 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School and later retired as an office clerk from PennDot.
She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where she was a cantor and sang in the choir.
Karan was a very talented artist, working mostly in oil paints and water colors.

Friends and family will be received at the funeral Mass at 10:30am on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are by Santella Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Karan can be made to the Mount Carmel Restoration Fund, 806-11th St. Altoona PA 16602 or to Sister Paula’s Soup Kitchen, 2201 Union Ave. Altoona PA 16602.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Karan-Pasquariello

02/07/2026

JENNIFER LUCIA NICHOLS
1984 - 2026

Family and Friends are invited to a Commital Ceremony this morning, February 7, 2026 at 11 AM at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Jennifer-Nichols

02/03/2026

DENNIS M. “DENNY” JONES
1955-2026

Dennis M. “Denny” Jones, 71, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 1, 2026 surrounded by his family at his home in Altoona.
Denny was born on January 6, 1955, in Altoona, Pennsylvania to the late William E. Shaffer, Sr. and his surviving mother Eleanor (Shultz) Shaffer.
In addition to his father, Denny is preceded in death by his sisters: Abigail Becker and Leeann Walters; and his brother in law’s: Robert Walters and David Ammerman.
Denny is survived by the love of his life, wife Lori (Way) Jones of Altoona; his children: Rachel (Matt O’Connor) Jones and Ryan (Hannah Lee) Way of Altoona; Stephanie (Joe) Gonzalez of Virginia. His grandchildren: Bryson O’Connor, Nadia (Steven) Olvitt, Jaidon Mullen, Asher Wyatt Gonzalez, Justyse Rose Gonzalez, Ryker Friedenberger, Paislee Way, Wynston Way, and 1 great grandchild Lilith Saphira Olvitt and his special niece; Amber (Amir) Dervic; his siblings: William (Shauna) Shaffer, Jr., James (Samantha) Jones, Roxanne Walter, Jessica Ammerman, Penny (Paul) Huss and Lori Hunt.
Denny was a Catholic and served as an alter boy when he was young. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Denny really enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors, mostly hunting, fishing, and 4 wheeling with the PA Ridge Runners. He also enjoyed taking vacations with his wife Lori to the Caribbean. He was an animal lover and held his two pugs (BoBo & Penny) dear to his heart. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a kind and gentle man that would do anything for anyone in need; often volunteering at the Catholic War Veterans Post #1691 where he was a lifetime member. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Denny was a graduate of Altoona Area High School, and he spent 38 ½ years devoted to his job at Small Tube Products as a Bench Supervisor.
A Celebration of Life for Denny will be held on March 22, 2026, from 12 noon until 6pm at Catholic War Veterans Post #1691, 290 Valley Avenue, Altoona, PA., 16601
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Dennis-DennyJones

02/03/2026

JENNIFER LUCIA NICHOLS
1984 - 2026

Jennifer Lucia Nichols, 41, of San Antonio, Texas entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas from a tragic car accident
Jennifer was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on January 22, 1984 to Margaret Weyant of Sugarland, Texas and Manny Nichols of Altoona, PA. Margaret’s spouse, Mick Aguilar and Manny’s spouse, Karen were both looked at as second parents to Jennifer and she appreciated The relationship she had with them, dearly.
In addition to her parents and their spouses, Jennifer is survived by her loving siblings: Sister, Nicole Beschler and brother Michael Boring; her aunts and uncles: Walter E. Nichols, Rebecca
Haid (Dr. J. Randall) Woolridge, Lisa (Dr. Dave) Curtis, Victoria (Shawn Solada) Haid, Sherri Elle; and her great uncle, Terry Smith.
Jennifer is preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Sharon Etters; her paternal
grandparents: Regina and Walter J. Nichols; her uncles: Dave Nichols, Stan Nichols and Robert D. Haid.
Jennifer was a Christian by faith and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Altoona, as well as a former member of Champion life Church in Altoona. Jennifer attended Fauquier High School in Warrington, Virginia, and shortly after, pursued a passion of helping others. Whether she was serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Houston, Texas, or on her UPS delivery route, she would often make the folks she saw throughout her day smile with her infections laugh. It was often said Jennifer’s laugh would bring warmth and joy to those around her, as animals did for her, especially her dog Russel. Jennifer often sent selfie photos when delivering for UPS to her family and never ended a phone call with dad without saying “I love You, Pops.” Jennifer recently spent some time with family in Altoona and the family will forever be grateful for those recent memories.
Jennifer had a love for music, especially Merengue and Salsa, and would always light a room with her smile.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Santella Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 7 P.M. with a committal ceremony following on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at 11 AM.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Jennifer-Nichols

01/30/2026

GENEVIEVE J. BERARDINELLI
1925-2026

Genevieve J. Berardinelli, 100, Altoona, passed away Wednesday at Garvey Manor in Hollidaysburg. She was born in Export, daughter of the late George and Mary (Milan) Hanacik. On April 24, 1946, she married Guido Berardinelli at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Export, PA and he preceded her in death on March 10, 2012.
She is survived by a grandson, Frank A. Filkosky; a granddaughter, Sabrina L. (Joshua) Henderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Genevieve was preceded in death by her daughter and son in law, Linda and Frank Filkosky; a great-grandson, Everett Henderson; and 8 siblings: Mary, Louise, Frank, Louis, Andy, George, Helen and Millie.
Genevieve was a 1943 graduate of Export High School and worked for the Altoona School District as a clerk before retiring in 1985.
She enjoyed volunteering at Garvey Manor.
She was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Altoona.

Friends will be received from 8:30a.m. to 9:45a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Santella Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Altoona. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Genevieve to St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 416 - 6th Ave. Altoona PA 16602.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Genevieve-Berardinelli

01/30/2026

STEVEN J. VASAS
1957-2026

Steven J. Vasas, 68, Altoona, passed away Monday at Hilltop Healthcare and Rehabiliation Center. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Edward and Rebecca (Hufford) Vasas.
He is survived by a son, Eric (Catherine) Vasas, of Roaring Spring; 3 grandchildren: Owen, Damien and Alexandra; 2 sisters: Paula Drew, of Fl. And Darlene Mattio.
Steven was preceded in death by an infant brother, Michael; and another brother, Billy Vasas.
Steven was a 1975 graduate of Altoona High School and retired as a maintenance supervisor for the Carpenter Company.
He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era.
He was a lifetime member of the Bavarian Aid Society.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation or services. Military honors and interment will be held at Indiantown Gap Cemetery.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Steven-Vasas

01/28/2026

JOAN B. WEIDLICH
1935 - 2026

Joan B. Weidlich, 90, Altoona, entered into eternal rest on Monday at Cedarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Tyrone. She was born in Hollidaysburg, daughter of the late Francis George and Catherine (Elizabeth) Fagan.
She was twice married: first to the late Frederick Paul Goss, and secondly to the late Frank Weidlich Sr.
Joan is survived by three children: Pamela A. Heaverly of Altoona, Robin (Stephen) Snyder of Greenwood and Frank R. (Renee) Weidlich Jr. of Altoona; six grandchildren: Mike Heaverly, Jamie Goss, Joshua Goss, Stephen Snyder Jr., Alyssa Weidlich and Hunter Weidlich; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Holly L. Goss; a grandson, Wayne Heaverly; and a brother, Phillip George.
Joan enjoyed watching QVC and spending time with her pets.
She was Christian by faith.

At the request of the deceased, a private burial was held at the convenience of the family at Blair Memorial Park.
Arrangements are by Leslie E. Axe Funeral Home, 1520 Fourth St., Altoona.

https://www.axefuneralhome.com/obituary/Joan-Weidlich

01/24/2026

As this weekend's snowstorm approaches, Santella & Axe Funeral Home will remain open and fully available to serve our community. ❄️

Since 1946, we have been entrusted with caring for families through all seasons and circumstances. That responsibility continues without interruption, and our commitment remains unchanged, regardless of the weather.

It is our privilege to serve and support our community in Central Pennsylvania in times of need.

01/20/2026

KENNETH M. MCCRAKEN, JR.
1950-2026

Kenneth M. McCracken Jr., 75, of Altoona, passed away Sunday at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born in Lewistown, son of the late Kenneth Sr. and Joyce (Haywood) McCracken. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother in law, Domenick W. Lestochi.
Surviving are his loving sister, Robin L. Lestochi; a niece, Christine M. (Ashton) Emigh; a great niece, Natalie; his Aunt Jane Shank, all of Altoona; and numerous cousins.
Ken “Kenny” was a 1968 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1972 graduate of Robert Morris College with a B.S. in Business Management. In 1973, he secured a position of retail management and eventually worked for two major retail companies. He later went to work for Five Star Mitsubishi as a car salesman and semi-retired in 2016, but continued to work part time until April of 2025.
Kenny was a fiercely independent man known for his strong work ethic and dedication to those he loved. Even after his diagnosis, he continued working; something that gave him purpose, connection, and joy. Work was never just a job to him; it was where friendships thrived and where he stayed young at heart.
He was practical, financially wise, and generous with his advice. While he preferred simple things over extravagance, he never hesitated to help his family whenever they needed it. Kenny believed strongly in staying informed, voting, and caring about what happened in the world.
Kenny deeply honored his father, a B-24 tail gunner and prisoner of war, and dedicated years to preserving his legacy by writing a book titled A Lifetime of Courage. A title reflecting his father’s bravery.
He had a lifelong love of baseball and was a devoted season ticket holder for the Altoona Curve, often planning his work schedule around home games. He also enjoyed traveling; whether visiting family, attending sporting events, or exploring new places.
Above all else, Kenny loved Disney and Universal Studios. A longtime season pass holder, he embraced the magic, the excitement of new attractions and the joy of experiencing the parks like a kid again. Disney trips became cherished family traditions, filled with memories that will live on for generations.
Kenny will be remembered for his playful teasing, his loyalty to family, and the quiet ways he always showed up when it mattered most.
Friends will be received from 3pm until 6pm on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Santella Funeral Home, where a funeral service will follow the visitation at 6pm. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Kenneth-

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