Obituaries

David W. Seidel

01/04/1938 - 03/11/2022

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Obituary For David W. Seidel

David W. Seidel Jan. 4, 1938-March 11, 2022 David W. Seidel, 84, Altoona, passed away peacefully Friday at his residence following a five-and-a-half-year battle with Glio Blastoma. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late William J. and Catherine V. (Maricq) Seidel. He married Virginia G. Folcarelli on Oct. 4, 1980 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Altoona. Dave is survived by his wife; brother, Timothy R. Seidel (Sonya); sister, Christine (Seidel) Behe (David); nephews: Robert T. Seidel (Christine), Christopher J. Behe (Kelly), Dennis P. Behe (Nancy), Brian J. Behe (Nicole) and Timothy A. Behe (Julie); nieces Deborah Schreyer (Phil) and Karen Claar; many cousins, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kay Alyce (Seidel) Lint. David was a 1956 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force, during which time he attended Mitchel College of Long Island University. He retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Labor & Industry with 30 years of service in employment and training programs. Previously, he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad in its last 2.5 years of operation until 1968, which confirmed his life-long interest in railroad history. During this period, he became a founding member of the Altoona Railway Museum Club, Horseshoe Curve Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (serving as Chapter Historian), Railroader’s Memorial Museum and maintained an active association in these interests during his lifetime. David was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church; the ABC Photographic Society, Antique Automobile Club of America, Buick Club of America (Appalachian Chapter), Plymouth Owners Club, Blair County Antique Auto Club, Blair County Historical Society from whom he received “The 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award Railroad and County Historian”, Blair County Genealogical Society, Bellwood Historical Society, Tyrone Historical Society, Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society and Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees. In addition, he authored the following histories: “Horseshoe Curve” and “Altoona-Post Card History Series”; and was co-author with friend, Leonard E. Alwine “Altoona & Logan Valley Electric Railway”. He consulted on production of a DVD about the Altoona & Logan Valley Electric Railway. He particularly enjoyed volunteering at the Railroader’s Memorial Museum. Friends will be received from 2-7 pm on Tuesday March 15, 2022 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602 where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am Wednesday March 16,2022 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church by The Fransican Fathers. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dave’s memory to: Railroader’s Memorial Museum, 1300 9th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602; Horseshoe Curve Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, P.O. Box 1361, Altoona, Pa. 16603 or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church/Church Organ Fund, 806 11th St., Altoona, Pa. 16602. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Condolences

  • 03/17/2022

    Virginia, So very sorry for your loss. We have very fond memories of you and Dave, especially on our trip, to Alaska with Dan and Karen and also the Kricks. Dave will be missed by all. Sincerely Skip and Elaine Miller.

  • 03/16/2022

    My heart is broken at this great loss. Dave was such a fun-loving, intelligent, kind and thoughtful man who showed his love so openly to his family and friends. He was my cousin and I loved him dearly! Virginia, I understand your pain and grief in losing your husband and send my prayers and hugs to you. May God give peace to Dave, receive him with grace and mercy and give you strength at this time.

  • 03/15/2022

    Dave was a great guy all around and a very enjoyable person to have along the railroad tracks. I first met him up at the Brickyard Road Railroad Crossing back in early 2014 and we've gotten to know each other so well ever since. Going to miss our chitchats there and spending time with him.

  • 03/14/2022

    My cousin David entertained, taught, and enlightened. His humor lifted us in some way almost every day, even though we lived hundreds of miles apart. An inspired story-teller, he regaled his readers with numerous images and his listeners with his beautiful voice. He magically drew everyone to visualize his stories of Altoona environs, its rail, and the autos that populated our streets. For many years he was the chronicler of our family connections. In my younger years, I came to think of my cousin Dave as nearly invincible, likely because he was always available to his family and friends. He will abide in the hearts of his family and close friends, always. To you, Virginia, thank you for choosing to share your life with him. You are so very special to us all.

  • 03/14/2022

    I don't know what to say.......He was a truly a great man and friend. It was an honor knowing him and always a pleasure to see him around Christmas at our train shop. Dave will be truly missed until we see each other again. Rest in peace my friend. Virginia , you are an amazing woman for taking care of David and he was very fortunate to have you as his wife God bless you.......Please accept our deepest sympathy.......... Rick and Donna Neely

  • 03/14/2022

    Virginia,We are so sorry to hear of David's passing. He was a wonderful person. I am so glad that I was lucky to have know him. Our Prayers are with you at this time. Phyllis and Edith Strate

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Funeral Directors

Joseph J. Stevens III

Matthew J. McConville

Christopher J. Feathers

David J. Mason