James E. Eckenrode

James Ellsworth “Ecky” Eckenrode, 93 of Altoona died Tuesday morning April 25, 2023, at UPMC Altoona.

            He was born June 25, 1929, in Altoona, a son of the late Ellsworth A. and Catherine (Pike) Eckenrode. He married Agnes J. Bem on October 20, 1984, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Hastings.

            Surviving are his wife, Agnes; two brothers-in-law, Stanley J. Bem of Indiana, and John E. Bem of Hastings, and a sister-in-law, Mary C. Kirk of Hastings; and numerous nieces and nephews.

            Ecky was preceded in death by two sisters, Petronella Elvey and Corrine Quarry.

            Mr. Eckenrode was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Altoona where he took a very active roll in maintaining the church building and property.

            He was a U. S. Army veteran serving in Germany during the Korean War era with the Second Armored Division and also served with the U.S. Constabulary.

            Ecky was a 1948 graduate of Altoona High School.

            He retired as a carman/welder/painter from Conrail in June 1990 following 42 years’ service.

            He was an avid Notre Dame and Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School football fan and he was also an avid fan, having attended most games for both the boys and girls basketball teams from Bishop Guilfoyle.

            James was a former member of the Bavarian Aid Society; Swiss Club; Cesare Battisti Club; a member and past president of the Altoona Council of the Navy League; and a past president of the Notre Dame Club. He and Agnes organized many bus trips over the years to attend home and away games for Notre Dame football. He greatly enjoyed following financial stations on TV for fun.

            He was a member of the Central Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Association; a member of the American Legion; and a member of the Second Armored Division Association.

            James and Agnes enjoyed traveling the world and they also visited thirty-five U.S. states. They were fortunately able to travel through Europe, visiting Germany, Austria, Italy, amongst others and had also traveled through Russia.

            Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. Monday May 1, 2023, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Altoona where a funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Nelson Javier, T.O.R. officiating. Committal rites will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona with full military honors to follow.

            In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602 or the favorite charity of your choice.

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