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Fred A. Petrunak, 96, Altoona, passed away peacefully on Sunday at UPMC Altoona surrounded by his loving children. He was born in Patton, the son of Joseph and Mary (Churella) Petrunyak.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Geraldine T. "Red" (Conrad) Petrunak; grandson, Benjamin L. Petrunak; and siblings: John, Joseph, Albert, Leo, Emery, Marie Fejes, Dorothy Synk, Margaret, Ann and Sister Jane Petrunyak.
He is survived by his children: Fred E. (Linda) Petrunak of Altoona, Mary A. (David) Hanley of Bellwood, Gloria J. (Eric) Hockenberry of Altoona and Philip J. Petrunak of Altoona. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Fred was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
He was a 1945 graduate of Patton High School at age 16. He was the first and only member of his immediate family to attend college and was a 1949 graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. He later received a master's equivalent degree in chemistry.
He was employed as a chemical engineer, chemist and high school teacher. He was also self-employed in real estate and property management.
Fred was a member of the PA and Ohio Chemical Engineering Society until his retirement and a devoted parishioner of The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona.
He enjoyed family, business, remodeling and sports. He loved all his children very much and to the very end, he was always the boss -- without question.
Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Stevens Funeral Home Inc., 1004 Fifth Ave., Patton, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at St. Monica Catholic Church, Chest Springs, with the Rev. Mariusz Gorazd, celebrant. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Patton.
Online condolences may be left at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or on the Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.