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Richard P. ‘Dick’ Picano

April 20, 1944 – Feb. 17, 2017

Richard Paul “Dick” Picano, 72, Altoona, passed away peacefully at his home after a lengthy bout with cancer.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Frank and Mary (Leoni) Picano. He was formerly married to Janice Long (Jeff) Ruggles of Hollidaysburg. On Jan. 4, 2008, he married Debra S. Tomasetti in Winchester, Va., and on Dec. 4, 2009, they renewed their vows and had their marriage blessed by Msgr. Stanley Carson at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Surviving are his wife; a son, Matthew (Kim) Picano of Hollidaysburg; many sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Robert.

Dick was a 1962 graduate of Altoona High School. He retired from Norfolk Southern in 2004 with 40 years of service. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Altoona, where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the Bavarian Aid Society, Cesare Battisti Club, Swiss Club and the Unter Uns Club.

He joined the Gardner of Guards Band from 1958 to 1961. His greatest honor was to sound off the bugle for the Gardner of Guards of Tyrone, which was chosen to play for President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 1961. He enjoyed chopping, cutting and splitting wood and giving it to friends and people in need. He was an avid scuba diver in his day. He was a very kind soul with a gentle heart, but his favorite thing in life was to discuss politics with friends or anyone who “dared” to debate him on issues.

Dick loved his family and friends, especially his two precious cats, Millie and Ernie.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at Santella Funeral Home, Altoona, where a vigil service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Chuch, Father L’ubomir Strecok and Msgr. Stanley Carson, concelebrating. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests that memorial contributions in Dick’s memory be made to Home Nursing Agency of Altoona, 201 Chestnut Ave., P.O. Box 352, Altoona, PA 16603, or the Sacred Heart Angel Fund, 511 20th St., Altoona, PA 16602.

santellafuneralhome.com