Obituaries

Thomas Petro

05/26/1938 - 09/25/2023

Obituary For Thomas Petro

Thomas Petro

May 26, 1938-September 25, 2023

Thomas Petro, 85, Altoona, passed away Monday at James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Pompa) Petro. Thomas married Marie C. Hoff on April 22, 1961.

He is survived by his loving wife; a son, Thomas M. Petro of Indiana and daughter, Lynn M. Adams (Gene) of Altoona; five grandchildren: Halee, Rylee, and Macy Adams, T.J. and Nathan Petro; a sister, Erma DeBernardis of Altoona and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his brothers: William, Ronald, Robert and Marlin Petro and his sisters: Norma Askey and Betty Petro.

Tom retired after 43 years of service from the U.S. Army and 34 years with the National Guard, 28th Division Band and he enjoyed giving private drum lessons.

He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Tom formed the Altoona Community Band and played in the Gardner Guards and many local bands.

Friends will be received from 2-7 pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 6th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602 with celebrant, Msgr. Michael Becker and con-celebrant, Fr. Carl Spishak. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

The family requests that contributions be made to the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center for the new surgical center, 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, Pa. 16602.

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

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Condolences

09/27/2023

Troy Chappell

Condolences to the Petro Family. Tom was my first rudimentary drum instructor from the early 1970s, subsequently recruiting me into the drumline of the Connie Yeager majorette corps. In loving memory and gratitude, Troy D. Chappell
09/27/2023

Bill Hocherl

Rest in peace, Tom. You will be missed but your influence will never be forgotten... I started lessons with Tom in the 1960s walking to his house 2 blocks from mine. I remember my first lesson. Marched with him in the Gardner Guards. Too many great memories to list. Thanks for everything, Tom!
09/27/2023

Mike Albanese

I marched with Tom many times in the old Gardner Guards. It's been over 50 years but I can still recall his experienced instruction and the drum parts he wrote for us. I also remember his percussion features for the Altoona High band during the Monti/Bistline years. My condolences and prayers...
09/27/2023

Jeff Farber

He was my first drum teacher, and helped ignite my passion for music and performing. A passion I still have today. If he had not instilled that drive and desire for playing music, I would have never met my wife of 25 years and had two wonderful daughters. All whom play instruments. Condolences to his family, for he was a great man who loved what he did and served his country proudly.
09/26/2023

Denny Pompa

Deepest sympathy to my cousin Tommy's family. My father was David Pompa, Aunt Margaret's brother who passed away in 1975. Blessings and love to everyone. All glory to God. Denny & Lana Pompa Dothan, Al
09/26/2023

April Anderson

My great uncle was a wonderful man, I always enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed greatly and I hope he is getting 3 scoops of ice cream in heaven
09/26/2023

The Fentons

With prayers and sympathy. Mr. Petro was a superb drum teacher. Our family has so many fond memories of the time he spent with our daughter during lessons over many years. The Fentons
09/26/2023

Carolyn (Fenton) Larrabee

Tom was my drum teacher from the time I was in 6th grade until I graduated high school. I still remember when I was in high school, him subtly encouraging me to check out Penn State in the hopes the Blue Band might be in my future. He was a great man from whom I learned a lot and will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to all the family.
09/26/2023

Kevin Winkler

Sending prayers and sympathy to the family. RIP Mr. Petro

Tributes

J.Renee Scarfone sent Beautiful Dreams for Thomas Petro - 09/30/2023

Sending peace, love and strength during this time of great sorrow. Love, The Scarfone Family Julia, Tina, John & Renee
The Peace Lily was sent for Thomas Petro - 09/27/2023
The Peace Lily was sent for Thomas Petro - 09/26/2023
Sacred Duty Spray was sent for Thomas Petro - 09/26/2023