Louis DeRensis

Luigi “Louis” DeRensis, 92, Altoona, went home to the Lord to sit on his most glorious porch of all on Tuesday, at his home.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Michele and Antonietta (Macchiarola) DeRensis. He married Luigia “Gina” Iosue on Nov. 7, 1954, in Monacilioni, Italy. She preceded him in death on Aug. 16, 2000.

He is survived by two daughters: Linda Mejia and Lisa DeRensis; two sons: Mike (Tish) DeRensis and Paul (Melissa) DeRensis; five grandchildren: Heather (Brian) Wilt, Michael DeRensis (Maddy), Hunter DeRensis, Nathan and Timothy Shoeman; four great-grandchildren: Finnegan, Asher, Elijah and Beckett; a sister, Olga (George) Gonter; a sister-in-law, Linda DeRensis; and nieces, nephews and close family friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Mark DeRensis; a sister, Rose (David) Rupp; and a brother, Julio DeRensis.

He retired from the Pennsylvania Railroad, with 41 years of service as a carman and welder. He also was owner of DeRensis Hauling Service.

Louis served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Sylvania (AKA-44) and during the Korean War on the USS Wasp (CV-18). He received many medals such as the National Defense Service Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal and the American Campaign Medal.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. He was also a member of the Altoona Motorcycle Club, the Juniata VFW Fort Apache Post, the Disabled American Veterans, the WWII Memorial, the USS Wasp and USS Sylvania.

Louis enjoyed reading, watching the trains go by and playing with his dog, Juno.

Louis lived life to the fullest with his caring, fun-loving ways. In his younger days, he enjoyed traveling by motorcycle, with his most memorable trip to Nova Scotia, Canada. He was known for gardening, flowers and homemade wine. As hard working as he was, the most precious part of him was the care and love he gave to his family. He met everyone with a welcoming smile and helping hand. He enjoyed sharing life stories with family and friends. Time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought joy to his heart.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2020, at Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.

Louis was proud to be a veteran and the family asks in lieu of flowers, to please make donations in memory of Louis to the Navy Relief Society, https://www.nmcrs.org/donate or to a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis DeRensis, please visit our floral store.