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Obituaries

Shirley M. McConnell

Shirley M. McConnell, 98, of Altoona, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday after an extended illness. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 6 p.m., with the Rev. Barbara Servello officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602; or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Linda (Tomlinson) Porter

Linda (Tomlinson) Porter, a devoted nurse, loving mother, grandmother and great-grand-mother, passed away May 22, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz., after a long-term illness. She was 84 years old. Born in Altoona, Linda lived a life marked by compassion, dedication and unwavering strength. A proud ...

Tina M. Smith

Tina M. Smith, 63, of Altoona, passed away Wednesday evening at her residence. She was born in Altoona, the daughter of Cynthia (Woolridge) Cooper and the late Raymond “Dude” Cooper. She married Donald K. Smith on May 11, 1985. Tina is survived by her husband of 41 years; her ...

Misty Dawn Elder

Misty Dawn Elder, 49, of Altoona, entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Tuesday evening at UPMC Altoona after an extended illness. She was born in Roaring Spring, the daughter of Vicki (Davis) Finnegan and the late Alan Finnegan. Misty is survived by her mother, Vicki ...

Donald J. Hoover Jr.

Donald J. Hoover Jr., 63, Altoona, died Wednesday after a long hard fight with cancer. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Donald J. Sr. and Joan (Stahly) Hoover. Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Bonnie; sons, DJ III (Bailey) and Joey (Kaylee); and grandchildren: Camdon, Denver, Kinsleigh, Kimber, Gunner and Walker. Don worked most of his life in the car business, as to which many would say he was one of the best in the game. At Don’s request, there will be no public viewing. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home & ...

Andrew Francis Kaza

Andrew Francis Kaza, 84, of Ebensburg, died Tuesday. He was born in Ebensburg, son of the late Andrew P. Kaza and Florence (Italiano) Kaza-Pitz. Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Karen; his son, Ryan; and his sister, Theresa Marie Kaza. Andy was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a life member of the Dauntless Fire Company, serving as fire chief from 1980-86. At Andy’s request, there will be no viewing. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, at Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, 500 N. Julian St., Ebensburg. Arrangements are by Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., ...