Bishop Guilfoyle High School Class of 1978

09/08/2026

It was such a fun evening at the Chest Springs Tavern on Saturday night.... delicious food, karoake, and friendships that just keep getting better with age!

08/02/2026

Big hugs for both Pam Carroll and Mike McManus on the recent passing of their mother. May she rest in the peaceful arms of Jesus.

Maryanne Carroll
July 28, 1940-July 30, 2026

Maryanne Carroll, 86, of Altoona, peacefully passed away at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Altoona, the daughter of the late George and Mary (Kolbenschlag) Bussman.
Maryanne was married to James R. Carroll, Sr. who preceded her in death on July 17, 2008.
She is survived by her five children: James R. Carroll, Jr. of Altoona, Michael McManus (Brenda) of West Monroe, LA, Bill McManus (Suzi) of Williamsport, Pamela Toups (Mike) of Parker, TX and Amy Labriola (Jay) of Altoona; nine grandchildren: Cory (Jeffrey), Courtney (Pat), Jacob (Todd), Andrew (Clara), Mitchell (Paige), AJ (Kierra), Aliyah (Trevor), Collin (Amber) and McKena (Kevin); and her three great-grandchildren: Cael, Kinley and Palmer. Maryanne is also survived by her cousin, Tom Bussman.
She was a 1958 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School.
Maryanne was a homemaker and previously was a Supervisor from Bell Telephone.
She was a member of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
Maryanne enjoyed playing POGO (online games), going to casinos, being part of her Bunko Club and going on beach vacations. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Friends will be received from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 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 on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, with Msgr. Stanley Carson, celebrant.
Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
The family kindly requests that contributions be made in Maryanne’s memory to: Bishop Guilfoyle Academy, 2400 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family funeral Homes Facebook

06/09/2026

This looks like fun! Anyone want to represent the Class of 1978?

05/31/2026

Sorry for the late posting of this but it has just been brought to my attention. Our sympathies go out to Stepanie Conlon and her sisters for the recent passing of their mother. May she rest in peace surrounded by those she loved and who have gone before her.

Shirley Ann Conlon
October 9, 1934-May 5, 2026

“She Carried It Quietly”

In Loving memory of Shirley Ann Conlon, 91, of Altoona, has peacefully ascended to her Lord’s side in Heaven, to be reunited with her beloved husband, John R. Conlon, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage with.

Shirley Conlon was not an easy story to tell, but she was a powerful one. A woman of few complaints and many burdens, she moved through life with a quiet endurance that didn’t ask to be admired—and often wasn’t.

Married for 56 years, the wife of a football coach in her community, she stood on the sidelines of a life that asked much of her and gave back in complicated ways. She raised five children—
loving them in the only ways she knew how, even when that love didn’t always look the way it was needed, even when some could not stay to receive it.

But love was there. Not loud, not soft—but steady, buried deep, and real.

She knew heartache in ways that change a person. And still—she made room for laughter.

She was bold with her words, unafraid to say what others wouldn’t, sometimes to the delight,
sometimes to the embarrassment of those who stood beside her.

And she did stand out—because wherever she went, she insisted on finding something joyful.

At 91 years old, Shirley was still trying to dance. Still trying to make someone laugh. Still reaching for life, even when life had not always reached kindly for her.

She loved simple, beautiful things—planting flowers with care, changing curtains to make a space feel new again, holding close the quiet comfort of home. She shared a deep and meaningful bond with her sister, a connection that remained steady through the years.

And through it all—through pain, distance, disappointment, through a life that asked her to carry more than most—she did not complain.

Even at the end, she carried it quietly.

Under a full moon—a symbol of completion, reflection, and release—we imagine her finally setting those burdens down. Stepping into a peace that does not require endurance.
A place where love is no longer complicated, where joy does not have to be searched for—
because it simply is.

She leaves behind not perfection, but truth. Not an easy legacy, but a real one.

And for the one who stood beside her most closely, who gave years of unwavering care,
who set aside a life to make sure hers was not faced alone—there is a quiet, undeniable testament of love that cannot be measured in words.

Shirley Conlon was here. She mattered. She was loved—even when it was hard, even when it was quiet, even when it went unspoken.

And somewhere, we believe, she is finally dancing without hesitation, laughing without restraint, and resting without pain.

A beautiful soul—not in spite of what she endured, but shaped by it.

And now, finally, free.

Closing prayer, Lord, receive Shirley into Your loving arms and grant her the peace she so deeply deserves. Let her rest now, free of every burden she carried, and may her laughter echo in Your presence as her spirit finally dances unrestrained in Your eternal light.

At Shirley’s request, there will be no public visitation. Committal will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
Final arrangements for Shirley have been thoughtfully provided by The Stevens Mortuary.

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

05/29/2026

Our deepest sympathies to Mark and Mary Byrne on the passing of their dear mom Pat. She is also Susie Hollern's aunt. May she rest in eternal peace with all of her loving family who went before her.

View Patricia A. Byrne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/11/2026

With great sadness we say good-bye to another cherished classmate who passed away on Monday. Rest in peace, Sue, and give everyone a big hug up there.

Suzanne Elizabeth Caldwell January 3, 1960-February 9, 2026 Suzanne Elizabeth Caldwell (aka “Punk”, her Mom’s nickname for her) was born in Altoona on January 3, 1960 and passed into her heavenly home on Monday, at the young age of 66. Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents, Orville Norma...

12/09/2025

Our deepest sympathies to her loved ones and her classmates from the BG Class of 1977 on the passing of Anne Gressler. May she rest in Christ's loving arms.

https://stevensmortuary.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com/altoona-pa-obituaries/anne-l-gressler/?fbclid=IwVERDUAOk5rJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6XDhBCqaAnFJWpHgpa3cxy5toheYhNurLd4b1GQKraBZZMg7dnAYOl3PtTwg_aem_NggVvUIJCy33JK-eJc5nkA

Anne L. Gressler April 28, 1959-December 3, 2025 Anne L. Gressler, 66, of Altoona, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday at her residence. She was born in Altoona, the daughter of the late Henry J. “Herk” and Patricia A. (Struke) Gressler. She is survived by her loving daughter, Shea Oliver (Natha...

12/01/2025

With our sincerest sympathies to Mark Ruston and his family we share the obituary for his older brother, Fr. Robert Ruston. May he rest in peace.

https://www.altoonamirror.com/obituaries/2025/12/the-rev-robert-l-ruston/

The Rev. Robert L. Ruston
August 6, 1949 – November 29, 2025

The Rev. Robert L. “Father Bob” Ruston, 76, a resident of Garvey Manor, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025, after an extended illness, surrounded by his sisters and brother. Prior to Garvey Manor, he resided at John Paul II Manor in Cresson from February 2021 to September 2025.

He was born in Altoona on August 6, 1949, son of the late Lawrence C. and M. Adelaide (Harris) Ruston. He was raised in the Dutch Hill section of the city.

Father Ruston attended St. Mary Elementary School, graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle High School in 1967, and later earned degrees from St. Francis University and St. Francis Seminary in Loretto. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown on May 8, 1976 and would have celebrated his 50th anniversary of priesthood in May 2026.

Surviving are two sisters, Rebecca (Dave) Willnecker and Mary Kay (John) Nardozza, and one brother, Mark (Lisa) Ruston, all of Altoona; nieces and nephews, Kristine (Christopher) Cacciotti, David (Christine) Willnecker, Whitney (Kevin) DeStephano, Janelle Nardozza, Chelsea (Joel) Steckelberg, Addie Ruston, Madison Ruston, Shauna (Steve) Polito, and JM (Julie) Nardozza; great-nieces and great-nephews, Vincent and Marissa Cacciotti, Nico and Leo DeStephano, Rose and Walker Steckelberg, Mya and Carmine Polito, and Dominic, Mikey, and Izzy Nardozza.

Father Bob deeply loved his family and treasured his role as “Uncle Bob” to his many nieces and nephews, who brought him great joy throughout his life.

Throughout his priesthood, Father Bob faithfully served all parishes he was assigned to in the Altoona–Johnstown Diocese. Father Bob’s most recent assignment was at SS. Gregory and Barnabas in Johnstown. His previous assignments were St. Patrick, Visitation, St. Benedict, all in Johnstown, St. Bartholomew in Wilmore, and St. Agnes in Cassandra. He was known for his gentle manner, compassion, and devotion to the spiritual and sacramental life of the Church. He cherished his parishioners, whom he considered his extended family, and created lasting memories as he celebrated weddings, baptisms, First Holy Communions, Christmas liturgies, parish festivals, and countless other moments of grace.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the staff of John Paul II Manor for over four years of exceptional care and friendship; to Pinnacle Hospice for their guidance and support; and to Garvey Manor for their compassion and comfort during his final months.

A Reception of The Body will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1405 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, The Very Rev. John Lynam, VF officiating, followed by visitation from 3 until 7 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Altoona, the Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, JCD, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, celebrant, with Msgr. Robert Saly, concelebrant. Committal will be held at St. Mary Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Father Bob’s memory to John Paul II Manor, Garvey Manor, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc.

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

10/15/2025

Just an FYI... We're NOT selling t-shirts or anything else at this time. There are spammers who keep advertising their merchandise in the comments of our posts. Maureen McGough has been helping me find these comments and I've been deleting them but whoever is doing it is relentless.

10/09/2025

Karen Gray Giornesto posted this back in August but I'm just seeing it now. I think our page doesn't allow anyone to post things anymore except me. I'm sorry. I don't know when and how that changed. This letter from Sr. Felicita is so special. I think she would be proud of how gracefully we've aged. I know that I am. We have a great class. Just one thing though... Miss Anderson's senior homeroom #204 was definitely the best!