Obituaries

James DeGennaro

05/20/1941 - 12/08/2025

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Obituary For James DeGennaro

James DeGennaro

May 20, 1941-December 8, 2025

James DeGennaro, 84, of Altoona, passed away Monday evening at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Gustino and Margaret (Demodico) DeGennaro. Jim married Genevieve “Genny” Stewart on May 31, 1969 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church.

Surviving Jim is his loving wife of 56 years; three sons: James T. DeGennaro (Bonnie), Shawn J. DeGennaro (Kim) and Anthony J. DeGennaro all of Altoona; his daughter, Paula M. DeGennaro of Bellwood; nine grandchildren: Josh (Tamera), Jenna (Devon), Marissa, Laney, Leah, Dillon, Jaiden, Ava and Ricky (Erika); three great-grandchildren: Lorenzo, Liza and Lorelei. He is also survived by his five siblings: Joseph DeGennaro (Pat), Robert DeGennaro (Janet), June Osmolinski (Jerry), Jeanne DeGennaro and Mary Louise DiRenzo (Mike) all of Altoona; sisters-in-law: Jeannie DeGennaro and Winnie DeGennaro both of Altoona.

Jim was preceded in death by eight of his siblings: Albert, John, Faye, Margaret Jane, Angie, Gus, Christine and Mary Ann.

He was a graduate of Altoona High School and served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Jim retired as a machinist for Norfolk Southern.

He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church.

Jim enjoyed being a member at the Unter Uns, Buccinese Club, Bavarian Aid Society and the Heidelberg Country Club.

He enjoyed hunting and taking care of his yard with his prized possession, his John Deere tractor. Jim also enjoyed building things, fixing things and tinkering in his garage.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Friday, December 12, 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 10 am, Saturday, December 13, 2025 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 416 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602 with Fr. Nelson Javier as celebrant.

Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

The family kindly requests that contributions be made in Jim’s memory to: Journey Center, LLC, 120 Byron Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.

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

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  • 12/14/2025

    Nephew Kenny DeGrennaro

    I would like to express my sincere condolences on the passing of my Uncle Jimmy. The last time I was with him and Aunt Genny was when Martha, my dad, and I shared lunch together at a restaurant in Altoona. We talked at length about our trips to Italy—complete with the foibles of rental cars and the inevitable blown Italian tires. Some of my fondest memories of Uncle Jimmy come from when he worked with Uncle Gus at the garage. He most likely tuned my very first cars, keeping the engines running and the brakes working. Those moments, and his steady presence, will always stay with me. Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Gus worked together like Batman and Robin—always in sync—keeping the garage running smoothly amid endless jokes, cups of coffee, and customers who loved to stand around and shoot the breeze. It was a place filled with joy, laughter, and good memories. Distance has kept us apart—not by choice, but by circumstance. It's times like this that remind us how precious our family memories are, especially during the holidays. I will miss him.

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