Robert J. “Bob” Larson

May 24, 1934-March 25, 2025

Robert J. “Bob” Larson, 90, Altoona, passed away Tuesday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Oscar and Nellie (Stahley) Larson.

Robert married Mary Ann Ergler on February 6, 1960 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years; two sons: Thomas Larson (Julie) of Hollidaysburg and Joseph Larson of Pittsburgh; five daughters: Deborah Lafferty (Don) of Altoona, Sandra Stover (Wade) of Bellefonte, Theresa Gildea (Andrew) of Ephrata, Nancy Adams (Chad) of Florida and Krista Gardner (Mike) of Pittsburgh; an honorary daughter, Colleen Mar (Roger); twenty grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; also, three sisters: Greta Knab of Duncansville, Nancy Pressler of Canada and Sonya Schmittle of Altoona.

Bob was preceded in death by a daughter, Jessica Marie Larson; two brothers: Lee and John and two sisters: Linda and Rhonda.

He was veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War, where he served in active duty for 4 years and later completed over 20 years with the Army reserves and the PA Army National Guard.

Bob retired from SKF Industries in the shipping department with over 35 years of service.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he attended daily Mass.

Bob was a member of the Bavarian Aid Society.

He was a bowler, an avid reader and outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, camping and hunting. Bob was quite an accomplished martial artist as well in Tae Kwon Do, where he earned his third-degree black belt and later became an instructor for the Altoona Academy of Tae Kwon Do.

Bob looked forward to his monthly breakfast with his National Guard buddies and his Tom & Joe’s Breakfast Club. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob had an amazing sense of humor and will be greatly missed.

Friends and family will be received from 1-3 and 5-7 pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for deceased will be held. At Bob’s request, please dress casually for the visitation.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 511 20th St., Altoona, PA 16602, with celebrant, Fr. Lubomir Strecok. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

The family kindly asks that contributions be made in Bob’s memory to: St. Vincent DePaul Food for Families, 2201 Union Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16601.

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