Harry J. Friley, Sr.

June 22, 1927-March 12, 2024

Harry J. Friley Sr., 96, of Altoona, passed peacefully while sleeping in his home on Tuesday. He was born in Tyrone, son of the late Guy David and Mary Myrtle Kathren (Cliber) Friley.

On June 5, 1956, he married the love of his life, Stella M. McMullen. So fortunate to have known one another for 72 years and love each other for all of those years.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Stella; daughter, Rita (Friley) Davis; grandson, Michael Grove; granddaughter, Jodie Young; his son-in-law, Robert Young; three sisters; and four brothers.

Surviving are his children: Harry J. Friley Jr. (Andrea), Gail Lightner (Gary), Donna Young, Gerald Friley, Debra Friley and Ursula Kelz (Bill); 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; a sister, Jean Bindley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harry loved this country and served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, doing several tours of duty during WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam War, earning many medals, including the Purple Heart.

After retirement from his Army career, he went on to work as a chef for Garvey Manor Nursing Home, retiring after 25 years from his second career.

Harry was the most kind, caring, big-hearted and giving person, very much loved by all who knew him. Nothing gave Harry more happiness than being with his family, which he loved beyond measure. All his grandchildren, oh my, they were the light of his life. His sense of humor, fun personality, mischievous grin and laugh, and knack for picking on us all (in the most loving way) will be missed immensely.

Harry also enjoyed “fixing” things: cars, TV’s, radios and really anything. He was a master at tinkering in his very good, fulfilled and long life!

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2024, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a funeral service will immediately follow in the Stevens Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Braun. Interment will be held at Blair Memorial Park with Military Honors.

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