Obituaries

Alan J. Rickens

09/08/1963 - 12/08/2023

Obituary For Alan J. Rickens

Alan J. Rickens September 8, 1963-December 8, 2023

Alan J. Rickens, 60, Duncansville, passed away Friday at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Altoona the son of Shirley A. (Buzzella) Rickens and the late Ronald F. Rickens. He married LeeEtta (Tahon) Rickens.

Alan is survived by his daughter, Emily E. Rickens of State College; a granddaughter, Lucy Faye; a brother, Ronald F. Rickens, Jr. (Susan) of Enola; two sisters: Linda M. Schellhammer (Jim) and Robin A. Rickens (Tony) all of Altoona; also, nieces and nephews: Jamey, Zachary, Amanda, Alex, Carly and Ryan.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Elmer and Ida Rickens and Fred and Lucy Buzzella.

Alan was a 1981 graduate of Altoona Area High School.

He began working in the restaurant business at the age of 16 and continued for 45 years working in various restaurant food sales, with the last 18 years at Feeser’s, Inc. of Harrisburg.

Alan was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where he was a volunteer for the Lenten Fish Fry’s for many years.

He enjoyed cooking and was an avid Penn State and Michigan State football fan. Alan loved to help people and service organizations; and he especially loved his family and friends.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church by Fr. James Dugan. Committal will be at Alto Reste Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family requests donations be made in Alan’s memory to: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2716 Broad Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.

Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Condolences

12/15/2023

Charlotte Sommer

My dealings with Alan would start every January to begin discussing our parish annual fishfry. He helped me immensely ordering the fish and food for over 600 meals weekly. I will miss his knowledge, help, kindness, but our conversations most. God bless you and glad of the opportunity of knowing you.
12/14/2023

Russell King

You will be very sadly missed and you will be remembered always. You are in God's hands and very taken care of. R.I.P.
12/13/2023

Tim Bell

Dear Robin & Family , I would like to express my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother. So at this time my thoughts an prayers are with you all. May God Bless you all..............Love in Christ Tim & Leona Bell .
12/12/2023

Suzanne and David Nickola

Alan was a thoughtful and good friend. We have so many wonderful memories of him. Alan was one of the kindest, most caring, thoughtful, and best person we knew. You will be missed dear friend. God bless.
12/12/2023

The Robert Family

We are truly saddened to hear about the passing of Alan. Words cannot express the depth of our sympathy for you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Alan's courageous battle against cancer was an inspiration to us all, demonstrating strength, resilience, and grace in the face of adversity. May cherished memories bring you solace in this challenging time. With heartfelt condolences, The Robert Family
12/12/2023

Ellen Dickson

I'm so very sorry to hear of Alan's passing. My heart goes out to his family. I've known Alan a long time, but lost touch through the years. His wife Lee and I went through Dental Hygiene school together and that's when I met Alan. He would come visit and we would get together, always had a great time. I went to their wedding, they came to mine. He was also a huge Penn State fan as my husband was too. I'm so sorrry to hear of his passing, he will be greatly missed. Sending hugs, love and prayers. RIP Alan