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Obituaries

Ella M. (Zimmerman) Martin

Ella M. Martin, 75, of Martinsburg, passed away unexpectedly on Monday at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring. She was born in Leola, Lancaster County, a daughter of the late David and Hettie (Martin) Zimmerman. She was united in marriage to Ammon Z. Martin on Nov. 26, 1970. She is survived by her husband of 54 years; six sons and five daughters: Mervin (MaryAnn) of Martinsburg, Marian (LaVern) Zeiset in Wisconsin, Ammon Jr. (Cora) in Wisconsin, Justus (the late Jane) of Martinsburg, David (Marlene) of Martinsburg, Elva (Raymond) Fox in Wisconsin, Rufus (Susan) of New ...

Sabina Matilda ‘Sabby’ Pierannunzio

Sabina Matilda “Sabby” Pierannunzio, 101, a resident since September 2020 at Garvey Manor Nursing Home, Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, passed away peacefully Monday morning at Garvey Manor, surrounded by her family. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Sabatino and ...

Lois M. (Weakland) Rietscha

Lois M. (Weakland) Rietscha, 66, Chest Springs, passed away Tuesday after a courageous battle with cancer. Lois was born in Spangler, the daughter of John and Mary Ruth (Stolz) Weakland. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Smith; a son, Christopher Smith; a daughter, Dana Smith; and brothers: Allen, Timothy and Thomas Weakland. Surviving are her grandson, Christopher Nash; a brother, Fred (Mona) Weakland; a niece, Jenny Guzic (Jerry); a nephew, Michael (Amanda) Weakland; a great-nephew, William Guzic; and great-nieces: Kylie, Laken and Chloe Guzic and Rylee, ...

Gerald M. ‘Jerry’ Balasco

Gerald M. “Jerry” Balasco, 95, formerly of Altoona, passed away Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Friends will be received from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in the Santella Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at noon Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery. A complete obituary will appear in Wednesday’s Mirror.

Patricia A. Barefoot

Patricia Anne “Nana” (Hilling) Barefoot, 90, Hollidaysburg, passed away peacefully Saturday at her daughter’s residence. She was a daughter of the late William R. and Evelyn W. (Greenawalt) Hilling. Patti was the mother of three children: Kimberlee Barefoot Yingling (Buck Yingling), ...

Brian Michael Bleicher

Brian Michael Bleicher, 65, Woodbury, formerly of Newry, died Saturday. He was born in Altoona, son of Francis G. and Mary J. (Hoover). On Aug. 22, 2023, he married Keli-anne (Polinski). In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Michele and Brian Jr.; six stepgrandchildren; and siblings, Sylvia and Gordon. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Newry. Arrangements are by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Woodbury.