James J. Clauto

CLAUTO – James J., 91, a resident of the Altoona Center for Nursing Care, formerly of Gallitzin, died Nov. 11, 2009, at the center. Born Oct. 13, 1918, in Gallitzin, son of the late Armand and Maria (Coco) Clauto. Preceded in death by wife, the former Stephaine "Wanda" Szynal, on March 30, 2009; brother, Lewis; an infant brother; and sisters, Anna Turchetta, Annette DiNardo and Pauline Fabrizio. Survived by children, Herm (Nancy McMullen), Ebensburg; Theresa (Tom) Ricche, Altoona; James Jr. (Marjorie Bettwy), Charles Town, W.Va.; Mary (Al) Miller, Valencia, Calif.; Anthony, Palmyra; and Joseph (Martha McCloskey), Charles Town, W.Va.; grandchildren, Marsha McGroarty, Robert Clauto, Jeanine Mancuso, Chrysa Wyland, Sandra Hanlon, David Ricche, Brian Clauto and Nicole Muir; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was the last member of his immediate family. Worked as a trackman and retired in 1979 after 36 years of service with Conrail. Member of Gallitzin Italian Mutual Society and St. Demetrius Catholic Church, Gallitzin, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Albert Ledoux, celebrant. Committal, St. Patrick Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church St., Gallitzin, where vigil service will be held Friday. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Aseracare Hospice, 1015 Logan Blvd., Altoona, Pa. 16602, in Jim's memory.