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Michael P. Di Renzo, 86, of Hollidaysburg, entered into eternal rest on Monday surrounded by his family. Michael was born in Philadelphia to the late Nancy (Corvino) and Michael Di Renzo.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his siblings: Filomena Marie (Michael) Di Renzo, Emenda (Augustine "Augie") Di Renzo, Ferdinando "Fred" (Sue) Di Renzo and Olga Marie Di Renzo.
Michael is survived by the love of his life, Mary Louise (DeGennaro) Di Renzo, whom he married on June 19, 1971, at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Altoona; his loving son, Michael J. (Lauren) Di Renzo of Silver Spring, Md.; and his grandchildren, Brooke Kaylin and Lily Marie, both of Silver Spring, Md.
Michael graduated from St. Thomas More Catholic Boy's High School and then attended St. Joseph College, both in West Philadelphia.
While on sabbatical from St. Joseph's, Michael was drafted to serve our country during the Korean War Era. After his time in the U.S. Army, Michael enjoyed a lengthy career beginning in pharmaceutical sales and eventually retiring from insurance sales. Michael furthered his education in the insurance industry by earning the LUTCF designation, something less than 10% of insurance agents achieve.
Michael was a Roman Catholic. While in Philadelphia, he enjoyed more than 20 years serving St. Donato Catholic Church as a lector, Eucharistic minister and volunteer. Michael and all his siblings attended St. Donato for grade school.
Michael gave additional time to the American Legion and St. Vincent de Paul. Michael also gave of himself in a unique way; given his very rare blood type, Michael donated more than 10 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross, with many visits to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia over four decades! The American Red Cross recognized Michael with their Gold Star Award. Michael lived by the creed, "The Joy of Giving!"
Michael was also a member of the Mishler Theatre and loved music, culture and opera. Hailing from Philadelphia, Michael enjoyed and introduced his son, Michael Justin, to "Fridays with Frank" and "Sundays with Sinatra," a ubiquitous radio program known to the Philly faithful, which aired Frank Sinatra's music and life.
Family and friends will be received for a viewing from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home, 1106 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held at 7 p.m.
A viewing will also be held from 8:30 until 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at the funeral home, immediately followed by a procession to St. Mark's Catholic Church for a funeral Mass at 10 a.m.
Full military honors will take place at Calvary Cemetery immediately following the funeral Mass.
santellafuneralhome.com