Howard "Pete" C. Colledge

Howard C. “Pete” Colledge, 92, Altoona, passed away Sunday peacefully at his residence.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late John W. and Grace M. (Rhodes) Colledge. On May 1, 1954, he married Cecelia R. “Sally” (Weakland) at St. Leo Catholic Church, Altoona. After 53 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on April 19, 2007.

Surviving are three sons and two daughters: Jeffrey (Ada) in El Salvador, Dr. Thomas in Altoona, Mary Anne Colledge (John) in Altoona, Cynthia in Altoona and Michael (Miriam) in Altoona; seven grandchildren: Martin, Jessica, Andrew, Emily, Lucas, Benjamin and Jacob; and four great-grandchildren: Camryn, Mya, Josie and Bennett.

Pete was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Shirley Lou Colledge in 1930 and Betty Levine in 1971; and his brothers, Charles in 2010 and John in 2022.

He was a 1949 graduate of Altoona High School where he was a member of the football team. Pete played shortstop for several city league championship softball teams. While serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany, he played linebacker for the Stuttgart Military Post. From April 1951 to March 1953, Pete, trained as a medic, served as the supply sergeant for the 582^nd Medical Ambulance company stationed in Kornwestheim, Germany. These years were the longest of his life, longing for the day he could return to Sally and begin their lives together.

Upon returning home, he trained as an apprentice printing pressman for the Altoona Mirror in the job printing department, which later became Alto Printing when the employees purchased the business in 1965. In his last six years of work he became the salesman for the company, which thrived until he oversaw its sale in 1991 when he retired. Pete was a member of Our Lady of Fatima (formerly St. Leo) Catholic Church since 1953 when he converted to the Catholic faith which he treasured.

Pete passionately enjoyed family life with Sally, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling and reading, particularly history. He and Sally traveled extensively, including 21 trips to Europe. They explored most countries there, focusing on World Wars I and II sites. They also undertook numerous travels to Israel, El Salvador, Mexico, Canada, many Caribbean Islands, Hawaii and nearly every other state in the United States. He loved Penn State and Steelers football and almost never missed a game, always ensuring his travel did not conflict with the football games.

Friends will be received from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 12^th Ave. and 20^th St., Altoona, followed immediately by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in memory of Howard C. “Pete” Colledge be made to Catholic Charities, 1300 12^th Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.