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Carmela Marie ‘Carmel’ Hicks

Aug. 25, 1940 – July 22, 2026

Hicks

Carmela Marie "Carmel" Hicks, 85, Altoona, passed away Wednesday at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Oliver M. and Ann Marie (Cenari) Grassi.

She is survived by two sons, Jesse T. Hicks and James F. (Beverly) Hicks, both of Altoona; a niece, Candace Stitt; and her granddog, Bode.

Carmel was preceded in death by two sisters, Diana Stitt and Carol Leipold; and a nephew, Clinton Leipold.

Carmel was a 1958 graduate of Altoona High School and attended the Altoona School of Commerce. She worked as an aid for a doctor's office.

She enjoyed playing sax and clarinet and liked to watch the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. She was a member of the Stars of Tomorrow Band.

Carmel was also a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church and the Bavarian Aid Society.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at St. Mark's Catholic Church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

santellafuneralhome.com

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