Francis "Skip" Della, 68, passed away Sunday at Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton, Fla., after a brief illness.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Rose M. Fatigante and his adoptive parents, the late Frank F. and Christine L. Della.

Surviving are a daughter, Samantha Hammond; a granddaughter, Lorelei Hamond of Vancouver, Wash.; two brothers: Steven R. of Altoona, and Joseph of Canton, Ohio; two nieces: Jessica and Jodi; and a nephew, Sean.

Skip was a 1967 graduate of Altoona Area High School, and he attended Robert Morris University, Moon. Last year, he retired as a shop foreman for West Coast Castings, Sarasota, Fla.

He was a lifelong supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State football and the New York Yankees. He was also a lifetime regular member of the Buccinese Society.

A private memorial service will be held for the family. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona. Arrangements are by Santella Funeral Home, Altoona.

The family requests that memorial donations in Skip's name be made to United Way of Blair County, 5414 Sixth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.