Ronald Lynn ‘Ron’ Hammond

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie (Bender) Hammond, who passed Jan. 22, 1996.

Ronald is survived by his loving partner, Charlene Beckwith, of Altoona; his stepchildren: Donette (Rob) Speck of Mill Creek, Nicole (Nick) Washburn of Bokeelia, Fla., Justin (Danna) Harkleroad of Little Elm, Texas, and Kenan (Natalie) Harkleroad of Oklahoma City, Okla.; his grandchildren: Xaviaire (Amanda) Walters of Ocala, Fla., Sutton and Michael Speck of Mill Creek; his brother, Harold Hammond, of Huntingdon; and countless other beloved family and friends.

Ron was Catholic by faith throughout his life.

He graduated from Tyrone Senior High School before attending Penn State University, studying industrial arts and teaching and education.

After graduating from PSU in 1973, he went on to work for Raybestos of Manhattan as an engineer before following his passion of becoming a school teacher. He worked for Penn Cambria School District until his retirement in 2006. Ron loved teaching and interacting with all the students.

For the past 25 years, he and his partner Charlene owned, managed and renovated Trainmens Hall Apartments, taking pride in providing a welcoming home for their tenants.

Ron was a member of the Penn State Alumni Association and a lifetime member of the Altoona Railroad Museum.

He loved spending his free time with his family, woodworking, gardening, and of course, his love for trains.

Friends and family will be received from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home, 1106 Eighth Ave., Altoona, with a prayer vigil at 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow at Logan Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent in Ron’s name to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 806 11th St., Altoona, PA 16602.

santellafuneralhome.com