Obituaries
Anthony "Tony" F. Labriola
7/18/1943 - 7/12/2025
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Obituary For Anthony "Tony" F. Labriola
Anthony F. “Tony” Labriola
July 18, 1943-July 12, 2025
Anthony F. “Tony” Labriola, 81, of Altoona, passed away Saturday morning at UPMC Altoona, following complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Patsy J. and Florence M. (Ventresca) Labriola.
Tony married Charlene D. Fields on August 10, 1968 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years; a son, Jay Anthony Labriola (Amy) of Altoona; two daughters: Jocelyn Jo Hrzic (Matthew) of Altoona and Jill Charlene McKeon (Scott) of Allison Park; four grandchildren: Aliyah Palfey (Trevor), AJ Labriola (Kierra), Jillian Hrzic and Maisie McKeon; a brother, Patrick J. Labriola (Patricia) of Altoona and a sister, Judith A. Rossi of Hollidaysburg.
Tony was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Dean Rossi.
He was a 1961 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1966 graduate of St. Francis University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Education. Tony then went to Penn State University, where he earned his master’s degree, principalship and superintendent diplomas.
Tony started his career with the Altoona Area School District as a teacher and then a principal. While in Altoona Tony was instrumental in the startup of the Mansion Park Basketball Summer League.
Tony had been the superintendent for the Tionesta and Ferndale School Districts before returning to the IU11 as the executive director, where he retired in 2003.
He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
He was a member and state president for the PA Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Lakemont Lions Club and had been a third-degree Knights of Columbus-Star of the Sea Council, Hollidaysburg.
Once Tony retired, golf became his passion, hitting many of the local courses, particularly, Park Hills Country Club.
Tony was the assistant coach for the boys’ varsity basketball from ’66-’68 at Bishop Guilfoyle, where they won their 1st state championship in ’67, which lead BGHS team being inducted to the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame. In 1969 he went on to Altoona High School, where he was an assistant coach with John Swogger. From ’69-’73, he was the 9th grade coach for Keith Jr. High School, where they were able to bring home the Inter-County Championship in 1973. From 1981-1983, Tony was the head men’s basketball coach for Mount Aloysius Jr. College.
He was an avid sports fan of PSU, St. Francis and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Tony had humbly touched the lives of many people through his outreach as an educator and coach and helped guide students and athletes with life changing decisions.
Friends will be received from 3-7 pm on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc, 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, with Fr. John Lynam, celebrant. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests, contributions be made in Tony’s memory to: The Labriola Scholarship Fund @ St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.
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Tributes
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Kijaunta Lucas sent Precious Heart Bouquet for Anthony "Tony" F. Labriola - 07/16/2025
Joci, Jillian and family, Please know that our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Sending you strength and healing prayers. We love you! Kiki Lucas and Jesse Factor
Condolences
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07/26/2025
Mr. Labriola was hands down my favorite teacher at DSKeith. In my memory box, I have a hand written note of encouragement that he wrote to me in 9th grade. Sending peace and comfort to the Labriola Family.
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07/17/2025
To Charlene, Pat, and Family, I am sincerely sorry for your loss of a husband, brother, father, grandfather. Coach Labs was an extraordinary person who will not be forgotten by those who played for him. He helped many athletes beyond just being good basketball players. He helped us develop high standards and a work ethic that has helped us throughout our lives. In Junior High he brought out the best of us and always helped us believe in ourselves. He worked us hard, and we all had a good time. For me his influence included high school when I played for Altoona High School. He wasn't the team coach, but guess what? After some of the home games he would be in the gym lobby when I was leaving and would take the time to talk to me and let me know how I was doing. He always commended me and encouraged me to keep up the good work. He was this way with everyone, and I am sure all his ball players will think of him with many happy memories. Coach supported me by attending viewings when I had family members pass. I hadn't seen him for many years but when my brother passed eight years ago and I came to town, I was hoping to see him there, and there he was, one of the first ones to arrive at the viewing. He was a great man who cared for everyone, and he will not be forgotten. I am glad my wife and I were able to visit Coach and Charlene last year. We had an enjoyable visit. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and wish you many happy memories of your dear loved one. Doug Pendleton
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07/16/2025
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to the family. Richard and Linda Scialabba
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07/16/2025
Tony was a wonderful, kind, and warm boss and friend. When he became executive director of TIU he said there were three principles that we would follow: Is it best for students Loyalty is a two way street Always tell the truth I always felt that Tony ran all his decisions through those filters. He was the executive director but he didn't direct, he coached, he led. He made all of us feel important and that we each were doing something special. Tony would greet almost everyone with a "How's it going, coach?" Once I asked him why he called me"coach"? He laughed and said: "That way I don't have to remember your name" What a great sense of humor he had. Tony truly made the world a better place.
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07/16/2025
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Tony was a wonderful person and I was most grateful to have the opportunity to work under his leadership at the TIU 11. May he rest in eternal peace and may your memories comfort you.
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07/15/2025
My sympathy to the Labriola family. I know what the last few weeks have probably been like. I experienced something similar 5 years ago. Seek God for comfort. Virginia Sankey
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07/15/2025
My sympathy to you and your family, Charlene. I am in Florida so I won't be able to attend the services but know that I am thinking about you. I know how hard it is to lose your spouse. You were blessed to have as many years with him that you did.
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07/15/2025
Jean and I would like to share condolences to Char and family. We will be out of town, but you will be in our hearts and prayers. Mike & Jean Kuzio
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07/15/2025
Coach Labriola was such a great man. He influenced my life in so many ways to help make me person I am today. I loved him like a son loves a father. He will always be in my heart. Mark Allison
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07/15/2025
My deepest sympathy to the whole family. He was a kind and fun-loving friend to all. He will be missed. Maxine Weinberg
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07/15/2025
Tony was a teacher, a coach and most of all a great friend. My memories go from Little League to Whittier to Keith Jr. High School and the golf course. He cared about people and will be missed. My condoliences to Charlene, Pat, Judy and the family.
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07/14/2025
My deepest sympathy to the Labriola family at the passing of Tony. I knew Tony in many aspects of his life from education to his great love of basketball. I knew he was struggling at the end so God granted him a fast break home. The last time I saw him he had come to my mother's viewing. He was a special man that loved his friends and family. May the peace of God be with you. Timothy and Deborah Little John 3:16
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07/14/2025
My Heartfelt condolences to Charlene, Pat, Jay and ALL other family, friends and loved ones of Coach Labriola. This man was a giant in my life, it was through his guidance and tutelage during my Freshman basketball season that steered me onward, forward and upwards. Again, Thank You Coach I will never forget you. May flights of heavenly angels carry you home and may God's blessings be with all those whose lives you touched. RIP Coach. With much love and sadness. Thom Geishauser
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