Gerald M. “Jerry” Balasco, 95, formerly of Altoona, passed away Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Friends will be received from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in the Santella Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at noon Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery. A complete obituary will appear in Wednesday’s Mirror.
Patricia Anne “Nana” (Hilling) Barefoot, 90, Hollidaysburg, passed away peacefully Saturday at her daughter’s residence. She was a daughter of the late William R. and Evelyn W. (Greenawalt) Hilling. Patti was the mother of three children: Kimberlee Barefoot Yingling (Buck Yingling), ...
Brian Michael Bleicher, 65, Woodbury, formerly of Newry, died Saturday. He was born in Altoona, son of Francis G. and Mary J. (Hoover). On Aug. 22, 2023, he married Keli-anne (Polinski). In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Michele and Brian Jr.; six stepgrandchildren; and siblings, Sylvia and Gordon. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Newry. Arrangements are by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Woodbury.
Roseanne Marie “Rose” Decker, 37, Altoona, formerly of Bellwood, was taken too soon Tuesday, Aug. 26. Surviving are her four beloved daughters: Abbigail, Laila, Aurora and Lorelei; her fiance, Brett Lucas; her parents, Tom Decker Jr. and Polly Wood; her grandparents, Judy Wood and Patty ...
Loreda “Lori” L. Eckert, 87, Martinsburg, died Friday. She was born in Roaring Spring, daughter of the late Kenneth Ellsworth and Marjorie Mae (Pepple) Longenecker. On June 3, 1961, she married Dallas E. Eckert. Surviving are a niece, Kendra; and a great-nephew, Joshua. She was preceded in death by her husband; and a brother, Frank. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at Woodbury Church of the Brethren, where a funeral service will begin at noon. Arrangements are by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Woodbury.
Robert A. Smith 67, Williamsburg, died Saturday at Maple Winds Rehabilitation, Portage. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Jesse Clair and Mary (Richardz) Smith. He is survived by a brother, Terry Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four siblings: Ralph and Michael Smith, Katherine Chamberlain and Marsha Smith. There will be no service. Arrangements by the Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Williamsburg.
