http://www.santellafuneralhome.com/

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

08/29/2026

LESLIE EUGENE HILDEBRAND
1957-2026

Leslie Eugene Hildebrand, 68, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Altoona.
He was born on September 26, 1957, in Altoona, PA., to the late Helen (Williams) and Eugene Hildebrand.
Leslie is preceded in death by his loving parents.
Leslie is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jane (Hirt) Hildebrand of Altoona and his brother Lynn Hildebrand of Gallitizin, PA.
Friends and Family will be received for a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church with Father Nelson Javier, T.O.R., at 10 AM., 416 6th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602.

Interment will take place at Alto Rest Park, 109 Alto-Rest Park, 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, PA 16601.
In liue of flowers, memorial contributions can be donated in Leslie's name to a fund established to help provide care
and support for his sick wife, who is currently residing in a personal care home.

08/28/2026

PAMELA LYNN “PAM” PARISI
1970-2026

Pamela Lynn “Pam” Parisi, 56, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Altoona.
Pam was born on July 2, 1970, to William Parisi and the late Karen (Kelley) Parisi in Altoona, PA.
In addition to her mother, Pam was preceded in death by her daughter, Maddy Ollinger, and her son, Thomas Ollinger III.
In addition to her father, William Parisi of Altoona, Pam is survived by her loving daughter, Mira D. Ollinger of Altoona; her siblings, Dannielle (Brian Eckenrode) Parisi of Ashville, PA, and Anthony Parisi of Altoona; and her beloved granddaughter, Ava Madison Krempel of Altoona.
Pam was catholic by faith and attended St. Rose of Lima as a child. Pam had a special love for animals and a tender heart for those in need, she enjoyed fishing, and was an avid horror fan. In addition to watching scary movies, Pam enjoyed trips to the beach, going to the movie theater and most recently, bowling with her Dad and brother. She was known for her infectious laugh and humorous nature. Most of all, Pam loved spending time with her granddaughter Ava, as she was her greatest joy. Despite the hardships Pam endured throughout her life she left with a good heart, caring deeply for her family and a strong faith. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM at Santella Funeral Home, 1106 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
A funeral service will be held for Pam on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11 AM at Santella Funeral Home, with procession to Calvary immediately following.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Pamela-PamParisi

08/25/2026

MICHAEL P. DI RENZO
1939 - 2026

Michael P. Di Renzo, 86, of Hollidaysburg ('nee' Philadelphia) Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 24, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Michael was born in Philadelphia, PA., on October 9, 1939, to the late Nancy Marie (Corvino) and Michael Di Renzo.
In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his sisters; Filomena (Michael) Colemeco, Emenda (Augustine “Augie”) Colemeco, Ferdinando “Fred” (Sue) Di Renzo and Olga Marie Di Renzo.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Louise (DeGennaro) Di Renzo whom he married on June 19, 1971, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Altoona, PA., his loving son Michael J. (Lauren) Di Renzo of Silver Spring, Maryland, his grandchildren; Brooke Kaylin and Lily Marie both of Silver Spring, MD.
Michael graduated from St. Thomas More Catholic Boy’s High School followed by attending St. Joseph College, both in West Philly. While on sabbatical from St. Joes’s, Michael was drafted to serve our country during the Korean Wartime era. After his time in the U.S. Army, Michael enjoyed a lengthy career beginning in Pharmaceutical sales eventually retiring from Insurance sales. Michael furthered his education in the Insurance Industry by earning the LUTCF designation, something less than 10% of insurance agents achieve.
Michael was a Roman Catholic. While in Philadelphia, he enjoyed 20 plus years serving St. Donato Catholic Church as a lector, eucharistic minister, and volunteer. Michael and all his siblings attended St. Donato for grade school.
Michael gave additional time to the American Legion and the St. Vincent De Paul Charity. Michael also gave of himself in a unique way; given his very rare blood type, Michael donated more than 10 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross, with many visits to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia over four-plus decades! The American Red Cross recognized Michael with their Gold Star Award. Michael lived by the creed ‘The Joy of Giving!’
Michael was also a member of the Mishler Theater and loved music, culture, and opera. Hailing from Philadelphia, Michael enjoyed and introduced his son, Michael Justin to ‘Fridays with Frank’ and ‘Sundays with Sinatra’, a ubiquitous radio program known to the Philly faithful, which aired Frank Sinatra’s music and life.

Family and Friends will be received for a Viewing on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 2-4 PM and 6-8PM at the Santella Funeral Home, 1106 8thAvenue, Altoona, PA., 16602 where a vigil for the deceased will be held at 7 PM.
A Viewing will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 8:30 AM until 9:15 AM with procession to St. Mark’s Catholic Church, immediately following for a Funeral Mass at 10 AM.
Full Military Honors will take place immediately following the mass at Calvary Cemetery.
The family kindly requests Memorial Contributions be donated in Mike's Memory to Journey Center, LLC. 120 Byron Ave, Altoona, PA 16602

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/MIchael-DiRenzo

08/24/2026

BRIAN S. CARNELL
1979 - 2026

Brian S. Carnell, 47, of Altoona, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 21, 2026, surrounded by his family at UPMC Altoona.
Brian was born in Altoona, PA., on June 4, 1979, to Linda (Grossman) Carnell and David Carnell.
In addition to his parents, Brian is survived by the love of his life Nicole S. Carnell whom he married on February 28, 2012 in Altoona, as well as their loving son, Jonathan S. Carnell of Altoona, his brother, Edward C. (Stacie) Carnell of Altoona, his mother-in-law Susan Spallone, nieces and nephews Isiah, Rachel, Evan, Riley and his beloved puppy, Max.
Brian is preceded in death by his loving grandmother Eleanor Grossman and his aunt Ruth Karp.
Brian was Christian by faith and graduated from Altoona Area High School. Brian loved all things Halloween and really enjoyed working for Spirit Halloween. Brian enjoyed Insane Clown Posse Music and loved spending time with friends and family.
Services will be held privately with the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Brian’s name can be sent to Santella Funeral Home to assist with Funeral Expenses

https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/brian-s-carnell/16933/

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Brian-Carnell

08/17/2026

JOHN E. PIPTA JR
1929 - 2026

John E. Pipta Jr., 96, Duncansville, passed away Saturday at home. He was born in Jerome, PA son of the late John Sr. and Mary S. (Nesbella) Pipta. On Jan. 21, 1956, he married Rose Marie Renda at the St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Jerome.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Marie; 4 sons: Anthony (Linda) Pipta, of Maryland, Joseph (Laura) Pipta, of Missouri, Phillip (Karen) Pipta, of Pleasant Gap and John E. (Sherry) Pipta III, of Sinking Valley; a daughter, Christine (Kevin) Svitana, of Ohio; 6 grandchildren: Anthony Pipta II, Alexandra Pipta, Jude Pipta, Abigail Dimitrakis, Madeline Svitana and Robert Woomer; 2 great-grandchildren: Bennett Pipta and Dominic Dimitrakis; 3 siblings: Eleanor Hipsley, Robert Pipta and Mary Jane Bodner; close friends: Stan and Ruth Simpson; many nieces and nephews; and his loving dog and faithful companion, Sparky.
John was preceded in death by a daughter in law, Christa (Arseniu); 2 infant brothers; and 4 other siblings: Michael Pipta, Irene Shiring, Barbara Elser and Rev. Deacon Paul Pipta.
John was a graduate of Williamsport Technical and served in the United States Army during the Cold War. He retired in 1993 as Manager of tool and die/manufacturing engineer at Veeder Root.
He enjoyed woodworking, making furniture and could fix anything! He liked to plant in his vegetable garden and researched his entire family’s genealogy.
Friends will be received from 9:30am to 10:30am on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 704 Patrick Ln, Newry, PA 16665. A funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at 10:30am. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/John-PiptaJr

08/14/2026

DENNIS ANTHONY "TONY"
1953-2026

Dennis Anthony “Tony” DeStadio, 72, of Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday. Born in Altoona, he was the son of the late Anthony C. and Mary Jane (Troiano) DeStadio.
Tony is survived by his long-time love, Renee Lucas, of Huntingdon; his sister, Patricia “Patty” (DeStadio) Urbon and her husband, Bradley “Brad,” of Highland Heights, Ohio. He cherished being “Uncle D” to his nephews: Christopher Urbon and wife, Dr. Sarah Urbon, of Philadelphia, and Mark Urbon and fiancée, Lilly Chisholm, of Ardmore, Pa. He dearly loved Renee’s children, Ryan Lucas and his wife, Brandi; and granddaughters, Madison and Mia of Hollidaysburg and Amy (Lucas) Gonzalez: and grandson, Geoffrey, of Birmingham, Ala., who will always remember him as “Tone-Tone.” Tony will also be missed by his many cousins and friends.
Tony attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School and Bishop Guilfoyle High School (class of 1971). He earned a bachelor’s degree from York College of Pennsylvania and an associate’s degree from Harrisburg Technical Community College.
Tony was a travel agent after college but then turned to teaching and coaching basketball. He was an administrator and coach at Central Penn College where he built the basketball program from the ground up. He served as Vice President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (EPCC) and as the Northern Pennsylvania Junior College Conference tournament coordinator.
Tony assumed a position with the Baldridge Reading and Study Skills Program based in Ohio, where he taught college students transitional skills from high school to college all over the east coast. When he came to Juniata College in Huntingdon, he met Renee and decided to settle there. He taught at the Huntingdon Campus of DuBois Business College, the State Correctional Institution-Huntingdon, and spent the latter part of his career serving as a substitute high school teacher for various local schools in the Huntingdon area as well as coaching basketball at Juniata Valley and Mount Union High Schools.
Tony never had children of his own but played a vital role in so many children’s lives. He was a true optimist…the glass was always half full... with a love of life. He was patient, kind and loving. There is a void in the universe and a hole in our hearts.
He loved a good “who done it” book, a movie or a meal— and always joked that he lived to eat. He loved all types of music and to sing along. He treasured anything associated with his Italian heritage, enjoyed watching college basketball and other sports, either in person or on TV. He was always ready to travel whether to some new place or the same familiar places. He wanted to turn 70 in Las Vegas, which he did with 10 friends and family members. Also, in his retirement, he enjoyed a cruise to Alaska and Canada, and a cruise from San Francisco to Hawaii and back. He was always ready to pack his bags and go!
Tony had a strong religious faith including being a confirmed member of the Roman Catholic Church. Most recently, he shared his faith with Renee, serving as an assistant in worship at the 15th Street United Methodist Church in Huntingdon.
Friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home, 1106 Eighth Ave., Altoona, with a Catholic prayer service at 4 p.m.
Friends will also be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at 15th Street United Methodist Church, 1500 Moore St., Huntingdon. A lunch will follow. Interment will be private at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona.
Memorial contributions may be made to 15th Street United Methodist Church; or to Mount Carmel Restoration Fund.

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

08/14/2026

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There is no obligation and no pressure to make any decisions or purchase anything. Sometimes, simply becoming educated about your options and getting your wishes on paper can provide tremendous peace of mind.

Whether you’re ready to pre-plan or you just have questions, our door is always open.

08/10/2026

ANTHONY D. "TONY" SINISI
1938 - 2026

Anthony D. “Tony” Sinisi, 88, Hollidaysburg, passed away Thursday at Presbyterian Home in Hollidaysburg.
He was born at Mercy Hospital in Altoona, son of the late Pasquale “Patsy” and Mary Carmela “Carmel” (Sinisi) Sinisi. On March 20, 1975, he married Nancy S. Green in Wi******er, Va., after having been a couple since March of 1970.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy and his treasured daughter, Marissa Nicole Sinisi, both at home in Hollidaysburg; his son, Anthony J. “Little Tony” Sinisi and his wife, Sherry, of Johnstown; two sisters, Mary Ann Stacey of Altoona and Lorraine Penhos of Wheeling, W. Va.; his nephew, Matthew (Missy) Penhos, also of Wheeling; great-nieces: Anna Penhos (Zack) Shotton, Eleanor (Randolph Dlesk) Penhos and Mary Elizabeth Penhos; his great-great niece, Scarlett Lorraine Shotton; his in-laws, Duane and Miriam Maurer; nieces: Danielle Maurer and Rita A. Green; nephew, Sean A. Green; and great-nieces: Aeriella and Rylee Green, all of Altoona.
He was preceded in death by his adopted son, Randy M. Sinisi; his oldest sister, Diana Sinisi Whitaker; and his nephew, Duane K. Maurer II.
Tony was a 1956 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School. He served two terms in the U.S. Army National Guard and owned his own hearing aid business, Anthony Sinisi Hearing Aids. He was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Altoona.
He was a Penn State, Steelers and Pirates fan. He was also a lifetime fan of the New York Yankees. Tony was a gifted pianist and trumpet player. He played trumpet for his four years of service with the U.S. National Guard Band. After retirement, he loved being outside tending to his yard, landscaping and his garden. He was a huge Rocky Marciano fan and was thrilled to meet him while he himself was a Golden Gloves Boxer at the Frohsinn Boxing Club of Altoona in the 1950s and 1960s.
Friends will be received from 5 to 7p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, in Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held by his cousin, Father Daniel Sinisi. A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Dan at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery following Mass

https://www.santellafuneralhome.com/obituary/Anthony-TonySinisi

07/30/2026

JOAN L. URDA
1930-2026

Joan L. Urda, 96, originally of Hollidaysburg, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Palms at Sebring in Sebring Fl. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Shultz) Yingling. She later married Richard Urda.
She is survived by her loving husband, Richard; her 3 children; a son Darrell (Barbara) Coke, a daughter, Diane (Ben) Luke, and a son Dana (Helen) Coke; 8 grandchildren: Darla Detwiler, Renee Coke, Christine Smith, Scott Coke, Heather Mangus, Jack Coke II, Brenda McKee and Ryan Coke; and many great and great-great grandchildren.
Joan was preceded in death by two sisters: Marlene Oyler and Jacqueline Yingling; her first husband, Jack Coke; and a grandson, Brian Coke.
Joan was a 1948 Altoona High School graduate and worked for Puritan Sportswear. She also worked as a dietician for the Altoona Hospital.
She enjoyed camping, the beach and dancing with friends. Joan spent the final 2.5 years of her life’s journey soaking up the Florida sunshine, early evening golf cart rides, sitting at the lake watching the sunset, outdoor concerts where she resided in beautiful Buttonwood Bay Resort, Sebring FL. She had a huge passion for dining out. She definitely acquired a taste for "gator" bites & Mexican cuisine & even tried sushi. Enjoyed karaoke & a few dances in her community! Joan loved her church family & Pastor Lonnie Wells & Melinda Brown at The Ministry Center She definitely learned a lot about her LOVE for Her Saviour Jesus. Less than 24 hours before her flight to Heaven she raised her hands and Praised Jesus. She will forever be honored and remembered by her " constant" sidekick Helen Coke.
At the request of the deceased, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Blair Memorial Park. Arrangements by Santella Funeral Home.

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