H. Fred Tromm, Jr.

September 23, 1947-July 27, 2024

H. Fred Tromm, Jr., 76, Altoona, passed away at home on Saturday, at noon, surrounded by his family, after a heroic battle with lung cancer. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late, Harold F. Tromm, Sr. and Margaret (Ashburn) Woods.

Fred was a 1965 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1979 graduate of Penn State University.

He served 3 years in the U.S. Army, where he was selected top soldier of his battalion while stationed in Germany and was promoted to Sergeant E-5. Shortly thereafter, he was ordered to Vietnam to serve with both Signal Corp and Artillery. For his service he received the Army Commendation Medal. Upon his discharge from the military and return to Altoona, he met the love of his life, Clara, just 3 short days after discharge and also, began a career in telecommunications with Bell of PA, AT&T, Nortel and Tekelec, where he retired as senior manager of engineering.

On May 12, 1973, Fred married Clara Anne Mignogna (daughter of John and Clara Mignogna) at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Altoona.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Clara; his two children: Adrienne Harding (Tim) and Erik Tromm all of Altoona; five grandchildren: Cierra Naglowsky (Ricky Settle), Mackenzie Naglowsky (Robbie Jenkins), Ryan Naglowsky; Keaton and Luke Tromm; and three great-grandchildren: Maverick and Danny Jenkins and Ada Settle; siblings: Ken Tromm (Sandy), Patty Graffrious (Tom) and Lisa Tromm.

His parents and a sister, Diane Puglisi (Sam) preceded him in death.

Fred especially enjoyed special time with Adrienne watching Duke basketball or having a drink at Whiskey Jack’s at Rehoboth Beach. Erik introduced his Dad to his favorite coffee, LaPrima and Fred especially enjoyed watching and listening to Erik play the drums at the Altar Bar in Pittsburgh.

His hobbies were centered around cars. Fred spent 6 years as a Crew Chief on a Late Model Stock Car and 2 years as a NASCAR Truck crew member. Fred also enjoyed his own assortment of cars over his lifetime and at any given time could be found tinkering in the garage.

Fred loved taking family trips to Rehoboth and Bethany beaches in Delaware, he enjoyed the many holiday and birthday celebrations, as well as making pizzelles and helping Clara and the Blair Garden Club at the 7th Street gardens.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, where he enjoyed helping set-up and working in the pasta fagioli booth for the annual festival. The best part of this was that it turned into an entire family event and Fred loved this.

Fred and Clara were so blessed to have created such a loving and beautiful family, his love and legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and his family were so blessed to have many dear friends, neighbors and people that touched their lives in small ways and big ways, thank you!

Friends and family will be received from 2-6 pm on Friday, August 2, 2024 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 806 11th Street, Altoona, PA 16602. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery along with military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make contributions in Fred’s memory to: St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 1523 Adams Ave. Altoona, Pa. 16601/ https://svdpcares.org/donate/, Second Chance Strays Cat Rescue & Lounge, 1101 13th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601 or Family Services, Inc., 2022 Broad Ave, Altoona, PA 16601.

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

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