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Obituaries

Carolyn Jane Johnson

Carolyn Jane Johnson, 94, of Tyrone, and most recently of Garvey Manor, died Jan. 1, 2026, at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Philipsburg, a daughter of the late Harry “Newt” and Dorothy (Ross) Husted. She was married Aug. 22, 1952, to Gene A. Johnson, who died Aug. 24, 2015. She is survived by a son, Gene A. Johnson II of Roaring Spring; a daughter, Jill Johnson of Tyrone; her grandchildren: Jennifer Panasiti, Susannah Miller and Naomi Johnson; great-grandchildren: Jenna Panasiti, Landon Miller and Oaklee Johnson; and siblings: Peggy (Stuart) Naismith, Shirley Conklin, Sandra Lobb ...

Gail Kost

V. Gail Kost, 92, Cresson, passed away Jan. 1, 2026, at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh. She was born in Kelly Station, Pa., daughter of the late Charles H. and Olga M. (Beck) Baker. Gail married Walter M. Kost and they shared 36 loving years together. She was preceded in death by her ...

William L. ‘Bill’ Lear

William L. “Bill” Lear, 72, of Altoona, passed away Monday at the Van Zandt VA Medical Center. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Charles F. and Helen L. (Musselman) Lear. Surviving is his loving wife of 37 years, Deborah A. (Lenhart) Lear. Also surviving is his daughter, Rene’ Allison (John); four sons: Scott Allison, Joshua, Michael, and Matthew Lear; four grandchildren: Colin, Taylor and Myah Lear and Devyn Winrick; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Sarge. Bill was preceded in death by his two brothers, Don and Guy Lear; and by his three dogs: Zeus, Xena and ...

Stephen J. ‘Jine’ Magulick

Stephen J. “Jine” Magulick, 92, Northern Cambria, passed away Monday. He was born in Spangler, the son of Steve and Helen (Gormish) Magulick. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Lou “Min” Magulick; brother, Daniel Magulick; and son-in-law, Paul Valeria. Surviving ...

Terry F. Merritts

Terry F. Merritts, 84, of Altoona, passed away Monday after an extended illness, surrounded by his loving family at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Howard and Mary (O’Flaherty) Merritts. Terry married Marian S. Willis on Dec. 2, 1967, in Dudley, Pa. He is ...

Stephen Girard Sheetz

Stephen Girard Sheetz, 77, of Altoona, passed away peacefully on Jan. 4, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. A public visitation in Steve’s honor will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at the Steven A. Adler Athletic Complex on the Penn State Altoona campus, 3036 Athletics Drive, Altoona. A public service honoring Steve’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Blair County Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Drive, Altoona. Attendees are encouraged to honor Steve by wearing colorful attire. Arrangements are by The Good Funeral ...