Local News

Cammarata remembered for ‘fondness’ for Patton

Passing of Union Press-Courier’s former publisher ‘a big loss to community’

A lifelong resident of Patton who loved his community and served on many civic organizations and boards, Frank J. Cammarata passed away in the home he grew up in on Thursday after an extended illness.

He was 79.

"He loved his community and loved Patton. If something was going on, he was normally there," his son, Todd Cammarata, said.

Frank Cammarata graduated from Cambria Heights High School in 1961 and earned a degree in offset printing from a Tennessee trade school.

Cammarata returned to Patton to work at the family-owned newspaper, the Union Press-Courier.

After his father's death in 1966, Frank became the newspaper's advertising manager and later, the publisher.

Cammarata guided the business from the Linotype "hot type" era to phototypesetting and offset printing.

Ever quick to embrace new technology, he later moved the business into the digital era.

Ray Eckenrode is a former editor of the Union Press-Courier and the Altoona Mirror. He was also a neighbor.

"He had a fondness for the community, and he taught me that," said Eckenrode, now the publisher of Breeze Newspapers in Florida.

Todd Cammarata said growing up, he learned a lot about journalism and how to take photos from his father.

"I guess you can say I was influenced by him because now I am teaching journalism and running a student newspaper," said Todd, a teacher in the Tyrone Area School District.

After selling the newspaper, Frank continued the commercial printing business, operating as Com-Print.

Cammarata would often donate his time and talents to whatever local organization needed posters, signs, or other printing.

He retired in 2020, but Com-Print continues under the ownership of his nephew Ray Keith and his wife, Patt, as one of the oldest businesses in northern Cambria County.

Cammarata served on many civic organizations and boards, including the Patton Park Commission, Miners Hospital board, Camtran board, Jaycees, Prince Gallitzin Tourist and Trade Association and the Patton Centennial Committee.

He was also very interested in local history and was the author of a book, "A Century of Community: A History of Patton, PA," published in 1993.

Judy Letso, who served on the Patton Centennial Committee, described Cammarata as a prominent businessman who put a lot of his time and efforts toward helping them on projects.

"He was always involved and willing to help," she said.

Longtime friend Sandy Haluska said Cammarata was an avid golfer and a former board member at Summit Country Club in Cresson.

He was especially proud of his three holes-in-one, flight championships and father-son tournament titles.

"He was a happy-go-lucky guy. He spent a lot of time at the Summit Country Club and really loved the community," Haluska said.

Friend Denny Nagle golfed with Cammarata about three to four times a week, or as Nagle said, "more than anyone else in my life."

Nagle described Cammarata's skill as average, but he was a good putter.

"Everybody liked Frank," he said. "He was an all-around good guy; he would do anything for anybody."

Haluska said when Cammarata's health no longer allowed him to golf, he turned into an avid gardener.

He also enjoyed yard work and fixing things.

"It is a big loss, and the community will miss him for sure," she said.

An avid Penn State, Steelers and Pirates fan, Frank attended Super Bowl X in 1976 with his buddies and the Pittsburgh Pirates' first playoff win in 20 years in 1993 with his son.

The family requests that contributions in Frank's name be made to the Patton Public Library.

There will be a celebration of life held at a date yet to be determined.

Mirror staff writer Cati Keith can be reached at 814-946-7535.