John G. Mannion, of Altoona, died peacefully in his sleep early on Thursday August 12, 2021 as Sharlene "Sherri" K. (Stahl), his wife of 54 years held him close.
John was a true altruist who cared for others more than he cared for himself. He was devoted to his family, his friends, his community, and his pets.
A positive and happy man; John was an amazing Son, Grandson, Husband, Father, Pappy, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, Mentor and Co-worker. He will be missed by all who knew him and all who loved him.
He was always active socially and in the community; an avid boater at Lake Raystown in the 70s, 80s, and 90s; a dedicated runner who was often spotted around the East End of town and in surrounding townships on daily training runs; he completed three marathons and many shorter races. He was a dedicated Penn State Nittany Lion fan (in nearly all sports, and a football season ticket holder for decades), he loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins; and he even took interest in the hometown teams and alma maters of friends and relatives.
He was born in Perth, Australia on August 28th, 1945; the first born son of Altoona native John Joseph "Jack" Mannion, and Hilda Sara Ann (Simms) of Perth (born in Norfolk, England). John grew up in a Navy family with 3 siblings. They lived in Key West and other stations, including Altoona.
He loved his siblings and their families dearly; David, of Osterberg preceded him in death this year; James lives in Hollidaysburg, and Robyn (Barree) lives in Altoona.
John and Sherri were wed on September 3rd, 1966. They raised three children in a happy home in the East End; Bryan, Denise, and John (along with just too many pets to name).
Each child gave him opportunities to be the loving and doting Pappy that he always wanted to be, and they all miss him dearly. Bryan and Donna (Brence), Plano, TX, children Emerson and Ethan; Denise and Sam Condo III, Altoona, children Brianna, Peirce, and Sloane; and John and Rebecca (Shaffer), Syracuse, NY, children Abigail and Elias.
Oreo and Theo, his current fur-babies, also miss him as keenly as he missed each and every dog that came before them.
He attended East End Elementary School; delivered newspapers for The Altoona Mirror; and graduated from Altoona High School in 1964. John served in the U.S. National Guard from 1966 until 1972, and began his professional career at Bon-Ton and Allstate Insurance. In 1968 he began working for The Proctor and Gamble Company (P&G) in Sales and Marketing, and held numerous positions with increasing responsibilities until he retired in 2004. Afterwards, he worked briefly for the PA Dept. of Weights and Measures.
John became a lifetime member of the Bavarian Aid Society in 1979. And after retiring from P&G he dedicated himself to their mission of community service; working first as a part time Bartender, then an Events Coordinator. He enjoyed organizing and facilitating charitable and group events so much that he soon joined the leadership as a Trustee, and in 2017 he was selected and elected as the President of the Bavarian Hall. He happily served countless families and helped organizations with events until he left us all to join the eternal.
The family will gather with friends to commemorate John and his life on Sunday August 29th at 12:00 Noon at the Bavarian Aid Society, in Altoona PA. All are welcome to join us, to both share our sorrows and celebrate a life well lived.
If you choose to make a donation in his name, please consider The Central PA Humane Society and The Arc of Blair County.