Paul J. Ciampoli

Jan. 19, 1931 - May 14, 2020

Paul J. Ciampoli, 89, Altoona, died peacefully on Thursday, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Donato and Ida (Gremese) Ciampoli. He married Caralee R. Mauk on Feb. 23, 1957.

Paul was a 1948 graduate of Altoona High School and a lifetime participant in the Altoona Area High School Alumni Band. He was a Korean War veteran, who proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a staff sergeant stationed in Korea and Japan during the Korean conflict. During his military service, he actively participated in a variety of sports and was also a member of the Air Force Band, playing his alto saxophone for service members and guests throughout his tour of duty. He had a genuine fondness for music and especially enjoyed Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, Big Band and '40s and '50s genres. He thoroughly enjoyed dancing and was quick to be one of the first couples on the dance floor. After his military service, Paul attended Penn State University where he studied electrical engineering. Throughout his career, he worked in electronic communications at Bell Atlantic and AT&T. He retired from AT&T on Dec. 30, 1988.

Paul was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. He was a frequent reader, usher and Eucharistic minister at both the Assumption Chapel and Mount Carmel Church. He enjoyed supporting the Mount Carmel parish at annual events throughout the year.

Paul enjoyed all things sports and was a huge fan of PSU, Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and the Curve. He was a frequent attendee at local Altoona and Bishop Guilfoyle High School sporting events. He coached a variety of little league sports (baseball, football and basketball) and was an avid softball player for years. Paul was a fierce competitor in the annual Senior Olympics where he received countless gold medals in a wide variety of events, with his favorite competitions being track and swimming. Paul also enjoyed bowling and was a dedicated, 50-year bowler with the Monday Night Pioneers Bowling League at the Pleasant Valley Recreation Center. Paul was an active member of the Bavarian Aid Society and an officer (Chaplain) at Fort Apache, Juniata VFW. He was a frequent volunteer at the Blair County Senior Center.

Paul was proud of his Italian heritage and spoke Italian fluently. He was a talented gardener who took great pride in the tomato and pepper plants he grew from seeds passed down through generations in Italy. He had a passion for hunting and fishing and looked for opportunities to enjoy these sports as often as possible throughout the year. He had great affection for the beagles that supported his hunting excursions and he developed a genuine fondness for the litany of cats that were so special to his wife and children.

He was preceded in death by Caralee, his loving wife of 53 years; and his dear sister, Mary Jane Krueger of Springfield, Va.

Paul was a devoted father and grandfather and is survived by his five children: Pamela Fleck and husband, Colin, Patricia Cover and husband, Marc, Paul Ciampoli II and wife, Deborah, Stephen Ciampoli, and Jennifer Bickers and husband, Brian; grandchildren: Adrian Smith and wife, Kendra, Stephen Ciampoli, Sara Snyder and Carley and Luke Ciampoli; and great-grandchildren: Jared Smith and Cierrah. He is also survived by two of his beloved siblings: Helen Beard of York, and Carl Ciampoli of Cheswick. Paul has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins, dear to his heart, who reside both here in the United States, as well as Udine and Milan, Italy.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Graystone Manor at Bellmeade for their care and compassion.

Paul will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Sadly, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a private service to honor Paul and celebrate this life well-lived. Arrangements are by Santella Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be shared at santellafuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paul can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.