Trending
Walter James "Wally" Hoover, 84, of Altoona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, at Van Zandt VA Medical Center, where he had made his home for the past year and a half. He was born in Altoona, son of the late F. Blair and Juliana (Edtmiller) Hoover.
He was formerly married to the late Mary Jane Wilson.
Wally graduated from Altoona High School in 1960 and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961-65 during the Vietnam era as a hydraulics specialist working on aircraft. He attended Penn State Altoona and worked as a draftsman before beginning a career in the insurance industry, retiring from American General.
Surviving are his son, Shawn Courtney Hoover, and his wife, Theresa Ann Hoover, of Galveston, Texas; his daughter, Betsy Marie Lehman and her husband, P. Joseph Lehman Jr., of Hollidaysburg; five grandchildren: Heather Atkins, Cassandra Hoover, Correna Kramer, Lauren Kelly Lehman and P. Joseph Lehman III; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Thomas Hoover and his wife, Judy, of Quakertown; a sister, Joyce Sykes and her husband, Russell, of Huntingdon Valley; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Walter Matthew Hoover; a grandson, Shawn Courtney Hoover Jr.; and two sisters, Marie Margaret Taylor and Donna Mae Stumpf.
A lifelong Altoona resident, Wally grew up on "Old Dutch Hill" and spent his teen years in Greenwood. He raised his family in Juniata and spent his retirement years in the Bellmeade area.
Wally was a member of the Catholic faith.
He was a lifetime member of the Bavarian Aid Society and a member of the Swiss Rifle Club.
He was a ballplayer from the start: At 7 years old, a 60-pound left-hander, he was pitching for the Little League Pirates and earning write-ups in the Altoona Mirror. He was honored to be invited to throw the first pitch at the Altoona Independent Youth Baseball League 75th anniversary celebration game at Centennial Field near Mansion Park. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and traveling across the country he loved. He was happiest at family gatherings, tinkering in his garage and talking to his brother on the phone while watching Steelers and Penn State football games.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the 5th floor nurses, therapists, aides, cooks, chaplains and staff of the Community Living Center at Van Zandt VA Medical Center for the extraordinary care, kindness and compassion they showed Wally throughout his stay.
Friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Sorge Funeral Home, Hollidaysburg, where a vigil service will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg, by the Very Rev. Alan E. Thomas, V.G., Pastor. Committal will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Altoona, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dreams Go On Inc., 110 Hollidaysburg Plaza, Duncansville, PA 16635.
Condolences may be offered at sorgefuneralhome.com.