Gerald B. “Jerry” Hymes August 30, 1938-June 26, 2025

Gerald B. “Jerry” Hymes, 86, of Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, passed away peacefully, Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Garvey Manor. He was born in Lewisburg, the son of the late Albert and Geraldine (Poeth) Hymes.

Jerry married Judy Ann Saleme on July 11, 1964.

He is survived by his loving wife; his three daughters: Stephanie Vita of Midlothian, VA, Jennifer D’Andrea (Barry) of Duncansville and Elizabeth Albert (Dan) of Pinegrove Mills; eight grandchildren: Anthony, Cole, Isabella, Dominick, Vincent, Jack, William and Elijah; a sister-in-law, Donna Hymes; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, William Hymes.

Jerry was an eagle scout and very proud of that achievement. Everyone knew his blade was always sharp. He loved nature and being in it. He knew the tree by the leaf and the bird by the song.

He was a 1956 graduate of Altoona High School, becoming a Navy veteran and very proud of his service to the country.

After leaving the Navy he was employed at Ordinance Research Lab (ORL) and taught electronics at Altoona Vo-Tech. He then went to work for his father-in-law at Saleme Insurance, eventually purchasing the agency in the late 70’s. He retired in 2004.

He was a Mason and a Shriner, a member of the Rotary Club of Altoona, AMBUCS, Altoona Bicycle Club, The Penn State Advisory Board, Blair County Arts Foundation Board member, and Chairman of the Altoona Parking Authority. He was a founder of the Intown Criterium later becoming the Tour De’Toona, a nationally recognized cycling event.

Jerry could fix virtually anything and was always happy to lend a hand to anyone in need, especially if that meant one of his three daughters. Jerry enjoyed mountain biking, gardening, woodworking and tennis.

A devoted husband and father, he will be dearly missed.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jerry’s memory to: Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, Pa. 16602/www.centralpahumane.org OR Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania, PO Box 592, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648/ https://rttcpa.org/index.shtml.

Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.

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