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Obituaries

Franklin R. Sweed Jr.

Franklin R. Sweed Jr., 86, of RD LaJose, died July 4, 2026, at Maple Heights, Ebensburg. Born June 9, 1939, he was the son of Frank R. Sweed Sr. and Mary Christinia Smith and raised as a foster son of Pearl and Merle Hockenberry. He is survived by children: Robert (Diane) Sweed of Altoona, Ronald Sweed of Schuylkill County, Paul of Irvona and Will of Altoona; sisters: Doris Hanson (Curtis) of Ebensburg, Deborah Blake (Charles) of Westover, Joan Davis (Scott) of Alverda, Jane Huber of Osceola Mills and Barb Tressler of Philipsburg; 28 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren. He was ...

Robert G. McCauley Jr.

Robert G. McCauley Jr., 69, Altoona, died Tuesday. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Robert and Zada (Miller) McCauley. Surviving are two daughters, Danielle Weeden and Lindsey DeAntonio; two grandsons; three siblings: Shawn, Patrick and Helen; and his ex-wife, Debra. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Shannon; a sister, Sharon; and a brother, Bruce. Robert was a U.S. Air Force veteran. There will be no public services. Interment will take place at Blair Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Duncansville.

Marilyn Paula Hamp

Marilyn Paula Hamp, 84, Altoona, died June 22, 2026. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Bernard P. and Lucille E. (Harshburger) Steak. She is the last of her family, being preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hamp; and brothers, Brian G. Steak and Bernard F. “Pete” Steak. Paula was employed at J.C. Penney Co. for many years and became a close friend to many of her co-workers. At her request, there will be no public services. Arrangements are by Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary Inc., Johns­town.

Dr. Douglas E. Hunter

Dr. Douglas E. Hunter, 87, of Hollidaysburg, passed away Saturday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Arcadia, Calif., son of the late Warren and Mildred Hunter. He married Elaine MacEacheren, who preceded him in death. Surviving are his daughter, Julie, and “all her little animals,” as he affectionately called them. Friends will be received from 1 until the 3 p.m. memorial service Friday, July 10, 2026, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg. Private interment at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Burlington, Mass., next to his wife. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ...

Gary Wayne John

Gary Wayne John, 78, of Huntingdon, passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2026, at his home. Born in Altoona, he was a son of the late Richard and Magdalene (Kuhn) John. A jack of many trades, Gary worked for years as a construction designer and builder, and later turned his love of cooking ...

George Edward Plisinski Sr.

George Edward Plisinski Sr., 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Greenfield, Ind., leaving a legacy of craftsmanship, service, integrity and devotion to family. One of the last true railroad blacksmiths of his generation, George was a proud veteran and a man whose work ethic touched all ...