Achievements

Tara DeLecce ’07 received a doctor of philosophy degree on Dec. 12 from Wayne State University in Detroit. A Penn State Altoona psychology graduate, DeLecce earned a master’s degree with merit in evolutionary psychology at Brunel University in London.

Engagements

Joseph Compton ’16, of Altoona, and Sarah Mohammed ’18, of Duncansville, Pennsylvania, are engaged to be married. A July wedding is planned at the Altoona Grand Hotel.

In Memoriam

George E. Epsy ’44, Logan Township, Pennsylvania—May 13, 2018—veterinarian, U.S. Army World War II veteran.

Robert Pauli ’55, Portage, Pennsylvania—May 13, 2018.

Joseph F. Croyle ’57, a resident of Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania—May 5, 2018.

Judith L. Frey ’63, Port Orchard, Washington—May 7, 2018—retired teacher.

Donald Henry Brett ’64, of Altoona, passed away at the age of 76 on April 28, 2018, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Brett and wife, Sherry, supported Penn State Altoona through the years, including giving a gift to name the Brett Lobby in the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence in downtown Altoona. The couple was inducted into the Gold category of Ivyside Society, the college’s donor recognition society.

Brett was born in Altoona, son of the late Leonard and Emily (Luxenberg) Brett. On April 18, 1970, he married the “love of his life,” Sheryl (Sherry) DeMatteis.

Surviving are his wife, Sherry; two daughters: Nicole, and husband, Tat, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Alison, and husband, Brad, of McLean, Virginia; a son, Adam, and wife, Krista, of Camp Hill; eight grandchildren: AJ, Casey, Blake, Sadie, Zach, Ellie, Lex, and Owen; a brother, Stephen Brett, of Boulder, Colorado; and a sister, Jean Brett, of New York City.

A1960 graduate of Altoona High School, Brett graduated from Penn State in 1964 with a degree in business administration. After briefly working in New York City, he returned to Altoona to work with his father, Leonard, for the family business, women’s clothing retailer Meyer Jonasson. The company became a pillar of the downtown Altoona community and eventually expanded to include two additional stories of the building.

Brett’s love for his community showed in the many organizations he participated in and supported. He was past president of Temple Beth Israel, and he served as a trustee of Altoona First Savings Bank and as chairman of its Credit Committee for many years. He was also a member of the Greater Altoona Development Corp., Altoona Parking Authority, Altoona Blair County Development Corp., Rotary Club of Altoona, and was a founding member of PALS club.

Thomas P. Laino ’80, Cresson, Pennsylvania—May 14, 2018—retired, Pennsylvania State Police.

[gravityform id=”2″ title=”true” description=”true”]