Jack Clyde Grassmyer

Jack Clyde Grassmyer, age 8, of Altoona passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his parents the evening of November 7th. 

He was born on May 16, 2012 in Altoona. Jack was the son of James A. and Cassie M. (Thompson) Grassmyer. 

Surviving are his maternal grandparents Steven and Nancy Thompson; three sisters Rio, Dayton, and Oaklee Grassmyer; two uncles Robert Thompson and his wife Stephanie of Cresco and Craig Grassmyer and his wife Melody of Duncansville; Cousins, Emma and Dillen Thompson, and Nichole, Ashley, and Eric Grassmyer; along with many other special friends and relatives. 

He was preceded in death by grandparents Charles and Barbara Grassmyer, and great grandmother Marion (Nana) Lacorato.

Jack was born with a rare brain malformation called Lissencephaly Miller-Dieker’s Syndrome missing part of chromosome 17. His battles were big and his journey was inspirational. Each day loved ones found joy in Jack’s smile and hope in his story. Jack enjoyed spending time with his beloved family, special nurses, as well as his teachers and therapists over the years. His family will be forever grateful for all of the wonderful care he received in the home from BAYADA Pediatrics and Family Hospice; as well as from his doctors, nurses, and speciality teams at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Children’s Supportive Care (Palliative Care) team was with Jack and his family every step of his 8 year battle. 

Jack loved the color yellow, hence his favorite “friend” was Big Bird. He enjoyed balloons, lights, funny noises, swimming, and his favorite TV shows on Disney Junior. He also loved puppies. He has many stuffed puppy friends and two real puppy friends Dodge and Jacey. 

Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday November 11, 2020 at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday November 12, 2020 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 344 Baynton Avenue, Altoona with Rev. David Roesch, celebrant.

Interment will be private at Alto Reste Park. 

The family requests donations in memory of Jack Grassmyer please be made to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224; The Burgi’s Lowlife Rider Chapter, 480 Pinecroft Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601; or to “The Jack Of Our Hearts Memorial Fund”, Saint Francis University, Office of Advancement, PO Box 600, Loretto PA 15940. francis.edu/makeagift   

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