Dennis Ronald ‘Lefty’ Etters

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bonnie (Heacox) Etters; his sister, Bonnie Stangl of Altoona; his sister-in-law, Linda Hubert (Mike) of Altoona; and his four children and their spouses: Sean Etters (Kimberly) of Altoona, Krista Murphy (Peg) of Hollidaysburg, Travis Etters (Pamela) of Altoona and Todd Etters (Edann) of Coopersburg. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren: Michaela, Colin, Natalie, Katie, Megan, Emma, Tobin, Miles, Keene, Blake, Lars and Rhys, who will forever treasure their time with “Pappy”; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A proud veteran, Denny served as a U.S. Marine during an active tour of duty in Vietnam. He passed away at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, where he spent three months receiving exceptionally loving care and making many new friends among the staff and fellow veterans.

Denny was a third-generation railroader and an electrician, never afraid to get his hands dirty to get a job done. He was friendly, generous, loved striking up conversations with strangers, playing solitaire, watching westerns and thoroughly enjoyed weekly breakfast and lunch outings with his close friends.

He was a lifelong member of the Homer’s Gap Civics Association and the Bavarian Aid Society, a dedicated Shriner who marched in local parades, and a member of the Hiram Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, where he served as Worshipful Master. He was also a member of Wehnwood United Methodist Church.

Denny was also a passionate Pittsburgh and Penn State sports fan who famously criticized “no-good” referees-a playful irony, given his many years serving as a PIAA and NCAA track and field official. Above all, he cherished his family, loved attending his grandchildren’s events and valued the milestones they celebrated together.

Friends and family will be received from noon until the 2 p.m. service Monday, July 6, 2026, at Wehnwood United Methodist Church, 2511 Juniata Gap Road, Altoona.

Arrangements are by The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Denny to the YMCA, 1111 Hewit St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648; or Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com