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Santella & Axe Funeral Home, 1106 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA (2025)

11/14/2025

VERA LOUISE LIOY
1941-2025

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of Vera Louise Lioy, 84, on November 5, 2025.
Born in Altoona, Vera was the daughter to the late James and Vera (Dean) Pross; she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, the late Edgar and Alberta Dean, who instilled in her the values and strength that would guide her throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel Lioy. She was also predeceased by her brothers Robert and Richard Dean, and her sister Norma Wolf.
Vera’s greatest joy was her family. Her legacy lives on through her daughter, Kimberly Nakach of Port Charlotte, FL; her granddaughters, Ashley Nakach and Abigail (Mahki) Barnes of Altoona, PA; and her great-grandchildren, Wrennley McGowan, Evander and Etta Jane Barnes. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved niece Sue Wolf, all of whom will treasure her memory.
A 1959 graduate from Altoona Area High School, Vera studied to be a concert pianist and loved singing. She was skilled at home renovations and fashion – approaching everything she did with confidence and determination.
Vera was President of the PTA at Stevens Elementary. She worked at Stanley Electric, Fashion Bug, and spent 17 years at Rolls Meat Market before retiring.
A member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Vera and Danny volunteered during the annual festival.
Vera will be remembered for her warmth, independence, kindness, strength, and humor. She was an avid animal lover and enjoyed playing bunco.
Friends will be received from 5pm-7pm Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am Friday, November 21, 2025 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Altoona with committal to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Vera’s memory may be made to The Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Vera-Lioy

11/13/2025

WILLIAM “BILL” BALESTINO
1949-2025

William “Bill” Balestino, a proud Italian American, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, entered into eternal rest at home on November 8, 2025, with his beloved wife by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Though the illness tested him, it never took away his humor, his faith, or the love he so freely shared.
Bill lived a full life married to his high school Sweetheart/Love of his life Patricia “Trisha” Loibl on May 3, 1969 in Altoona Pennsylvania. Bill was born on April 29, 1949, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Mary (Spagnoli) Balestino and William J. Balestino. He graduated from Altoona Area High School in 1967 and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. His commitment to service continued with two additional years in the United States Army Reserves, a reflection of his loyalty, discipline, and strength of character.
Following his service, Bill dedicated 36 years to the Conrail/Norfolk Southern Altoona Railroad. He was known for his strong work ethic, steady presence, and the laughter that followed him through every shift.
Bill was the life of every gathering—quick with a joke, ready with a story, and always prepared to feed a crowd. To Bill, a home was meant to be warm, open, and full of love… and food—always food. If you stepped through his door, you were family. That was simply his way.
Bill and his wife, Trish cherished their years as snowbirds in St. Augustine, Florida, where they formed a beautiful extended family of friends from across the country. Whether under Pennsylvania skies or Florida sunshine, Bill brought joy, warmth, and a contagious laugh that filled every room.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Trish; his daughters: Erica Balestino Drozinski (husband Joseph), of Pittsburgh PA and Andrea L. Edleblute (husband Michael), of Charlotte NC; and his beloved granddaughters: Brecken Allyse and Jordan Paige Edleblute, who lit up his world.
He is also survived by his sisters: Nancy (Wayne) Boden and Linda (Alan, †) Butterbaugh; his sister-in law Carol Love (†); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who adored his humor, generosity, and unwavering heart.
Bill lived his Catholic faith in a real, everyday way. He wasn’t one for long sermons or big speeches—he believed faith showed up in how you treated people. And he did that beautifully.
He prayed, he trusted, he laughed, and he tried to do right by others. And yes—he might have missed a Sunday or two when Steelers Spaghetti Sunday was necessary but God knows his heart. And we know God welcomed him home with open arms—and probably a smile, because Bill surely brought one with him. His humor, generosity, and love will echo for generations.
May we honor him by loving one another well, keeping our doors open, our tables full, and our laughter loud—just as he taught us.

Friends will be received from 4pm-7pm on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Santella Funeral Home. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/WilliamBill-Balestino

11/11/2025

STEPHEN “STEVE” ROBERT EGER
1957-2025

Stephen “Steve” Robert Eger, 68, of Altoona, passed away on Saturday after a courageous 11- month battle with cancer and is now awaiting the Resurrection. He was born in Duncansville, son of the late Edward and June (Smith) Eger.
Steve married Bonnie Brown in April 1992.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie, of 33 years; a daughter, Julia Joy Eger; three brothers: Edward (Sue) Eger Jr., Daniel Eger, and Barry Eger; a sister, Jeanette (Kent) Muir; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Linda Eger.
Steve graduated from Hollidaysburg Area High School in 1975.
He was a devoted employee of the Pepsi Bottling Company for the past 49 years.
Steve enjoyed current events, history, and politics.
He loved spending time with his family and taking road trips to visit his daughter, Julia.
He was very proud of Julia and enjoyed sharing her life updates with anyone and everyone.
Steve was a faithful Christian and strove to live by God’s word.
Friends will be received from 4-7pm Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Santella Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Axe and Santella Family Chapel, 1534-4 th St. Altoona. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Stephen-Eger

11/11/2025

THOMAS “TOM” TAYLOR
1951 -2025

Thomas D. Taylor, "Tom", 73, resident of Altoona, PA, passed away Saturday, November 8, at UPMC Hospital (Altoona) following a long illness. He was born in Wilmington, DE, son of the late David R. Taylor and late Joann C. (Carlin) Taylor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Diane Smithmeyer; three sisters: Kathy Casey, Carol Taylor and Anne Hudson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his youngest sister, Colleen Taylor.
Tom was a graduate of Salesianum High School in Wilmington, DE. He then graduated from the University of Delaware in 1974 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Tom later retired as a legal assistant within then State of Delaware Family Court system.
Tom enjoyed playing his guitar and electric keyboard. He often played his guitar at high school dances as a member of a small band. He was a man of strong faith. In his younger years, he especially loved to play guitar and sing with his sister Kathy at Mass. He also had a love for animals, especially his dog Carmel and cat Tara.
Friends will be received at the 10am Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, to help with funeral expenses for the family, donations may be made payable to the Santella Funeral Home, 1106-8th Ave. Altoona PA 16602.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Thomas-Taylor

11/10/2025

In 2015 the Santella Funeral Home received an award for Excellence in Histoical Preservation From the Blair County Historical Society.

The Santella Funeral Home, and Museum features lots of local history, including from the Little Italy section of Altoona, the Pennsylvania Railroad and the influence it had on the creation of the city.

Santella Funeral Home opens its doors to the community including local churches, kids field trips, scouting groups and many more who want to come check out our Historical Museum.

10/27/2025

We want to thank everyone who participated in the 5th Annual Our lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church trunk-or-treat 🍁🎃👻
We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.

10/25/2025

DONALD “DON” CASTAGNOLA
1954-2025

Donald “Don” Castagnola, 71, Altoona, passed away Tuesday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Joseph J. and Susan M. (Bosso) Castagnola. On June 25, 1983, he married Karen Kaye at St. Mary’s Church in Altoona.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; a daughter, Amy M. (Jarriett) Robinson, of Macungie; 2 grandchildren: Anna and Theodore; a brother, Joseph R. (Jean) Castagnola, of Southport, N.C.; nieces: Kelly (Russell) Hardee and Adrienne (Jason) Spatizer; nephew, Andrew (Lauren) Castagnola; several great nieces and nephews; aunt, Marcella Garver; and uncle, Samuel Colitto; sisters-in-law Lois and Susan; brother-in-law Mark (Ramona)
Don was a graduate of Altoona High School and retired after over 30 years from housekeeping at the Veteran’s Home.
He was a music lover and enjoyed record spinning and concerts. He enjoyed all sports, especially the Steelers and Penn State. He prided himself in attending all of his daughter’s sporting events and enjoyed his Dunkin and Sheetz coffee trips with his retired friends.
He was a social member of the Bavarian Aid Society and a dedicated member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Altoona.
A special thanks to his caregiver, Laurie.
Friends will be received from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am Thursday, October 30, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Altoona. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Donald-Castagnola

10/21/2025

WILLIAM D. “BILL” MENTCH
1944-2025

William D. “Bill” Mentch Jr., 81, Altoona, passed away Thursday at his home. He was born in Altoona, son of the late William D. and Mary (Villani) Mentch Sr. He later married Marian Gates.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marian; 4 children: Maria (Shawn) Smith, Francis “Woody” Buckreis, Kathleen Buckreis, and Jason (April) Mentch; 8 grandchildren: Donald, Alexandria, Brian, Kaylee, Emilio, Marisa, Aaron and Jena; and a sister, Darlene Gottshall.
Bill was a 1963 graduate of Altoona High School. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force, spending most of his time in England.
He worked for Claster’s Hardware store and later retired from DeGol’s as a salesman.
Bill enjoyed many outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and shooting. He was a member of the Riggles Gap Sportsman’s Club.
He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church.

Friends will be received from 2-6pm Wednesday October 22, 2025 at the Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/William-MentchJr

10/21/2025

JOSEPH A. TROUTMAN
1954-2025

Joseph Allen Troutman, 71, Altoona, passed away Sunday at the James E. VanZandt Medical Center. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Beanie and Rose (Sinisi) Troutman. On September 18, 1987, he married Marlene Lepore.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; 2 daughters: Tara Troutman and Lynsay Montgomery; a son, Dwaine Harris; 5 grandchildren: Mayson Becker, Zyle Smith, George Jackson-Shepard, Gaheim Jackson and Niobe Jackson; a sister, Dawn J. Desborough; and his aunt, Karen.
Joseph was a graduate of Altoona High School and served in the United States Navy. He later worked for Lumax in the maintenance and lighting lines department.
He enjoyed comic books, train watching, painting and watching old TV shows, like Gunsmoke. He had a special love for animals, especially cats.
Friends will be received from 5-7pm on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the Santella Funeral Home. A brief military service will be held at 6pm by the Blair County Veteran's Honor Guard.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Joseph-Troutman

10/20/2025

DANIEL J. DeANTONIO
1952-2025

Daniel J. DeAntonio, 73, Hollidaysburg, passed away Sunday at his home. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Daniel C. and Mary Grace (Colabove) DeAntonio.
He is survived by 2 children: Danielle A. (Josh) White and Anthony R. (Faith) DeAntonio; 7 grandchildren: Jeremy, Hannah, Anthony Shane, Emily, Margaux, Colton and Lenora; 2 great-grandchildren: Carter and Josie; and two brothers: Frank (Penny) DeAntonio and Tom (Tammy) DeAntonio.
Dan was a 1970 graduate of Altoona High School and later retired from the railroad as a carman after 28 years of service.
Dan was an all around family-man. He loved spending as much time with his family as he could.
He was also a member of the Buccinese Society.
Friends will be received from 4pm to 6pm on Monday, October 20, 2025 in the Santella Funeral Home. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-DeAntonio

Santella & Axe Funeral Home

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