Harry L. Ketrow
Jan. 4, 1936 – March 1, 2026
Ketrow
Harry L. Ketrow, beloved husband, father, and Pap, 90, of Altoona, passed away peacefully Sunday in Grove City, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew W. Ketrow and Orvetta (Weakland) Ketrow; and his siblings: Betty Barnhill, Mae Sheetz, Barbara Delong, John Ketrow and Andy Ketrow.
Harry is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carol Rae (Shultz) Ketrow of Altoona; his daughter, Twila (Ketrow) Ruh, and son-in-law, Paul Ruh, of Grove City, Ohio; his cherished granddaughters: Heather (Michael) Bowmaster, Hope
(Travis) Marra and Rachel (Robert IV) Williams; and great-grandchildren: Joseph Parisi, Taylor Dunio, Gage Bush, Isaac Parisi, Emily (Kaedyn Scott) Garman, Casey (Logan Bartlebaugh) Williams, Dominick Baldassarre, Scott (Philicia Helsley) Richardson Jr., Dannica Williams, Garrett Neely and Robert Williams V. He is also survived by his best friends who were family, David and Cindy Young of Altoona.
Born in Fallentimber, Harry began working at a young age. In his youth, he delivered the Altoona Mirror, worked at Lakemont Park and held various jobs along the avenue in downtown Altoona.
Before graduating from Altoona High School, Harry met his high school sweetheart, Carol Shultz, in 1954. Both were members of the AHS Class of 1954. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 1956. After their wedding, they traveled to Niagara Falls, N.Y., for their honeymoon and then escaped a snowstorm by spending the first days of their marriage in Maryland — a story they would fondly recall for years.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Harry became a franchise Ridge Homes builder, constructing many of the homes throughout Altoona that families still enjoy today. He took great pride in pointing out the houses he built, often reflecting on the dreams he helped families realize through homeownership.
From 1980 to 2010, Harry was the proud owner of the Original Greenwood Steakhouse, where he worked alongside his beloved Carol. Together, they served what many considered the best steak sandwiches, salads and handmade fries in
Central Pennsylvania. Often referred to simply as “Harry’s Steakhouse,” his name was synonymous
with the Original Greenwood Steakhouse and remains fondly remembered today.
Per Harry’s request, there will be no funeral services. He will be laid to rest at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please purchase a steak sandwich at the Original Greenwood Steakhouse in memory of Harry.
