Richard A. "Rick" Colabove

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard A. “Rick” Colabove, 67, of Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona.  Rick died peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Rick was born in Altoona to the late Paul and Velda (Hart) Colabove, and married Pamela “Pam” Steele in 1999.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Pamela (Steele) Colabove; his son, Alexander Colabove; grandson, Braeton Miles; his mother-in-law, Kay Steele; his brothers, Louis (Terri) Colabove, Anthony Colabove, and Paul Colabove, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Richard "Ricky" Colabove; his parents; sister Bonnie; brother Julius; nephews: Brian and Jason Colabove; and his father-in-law, Phil Steele.

A proud 1976 graduate of Altoona High School and the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, Rick pursued his passion for carpentry with unwavering dedication. He spent his working years in service to Mt. Carmel Church and School, where he was not only a trusted maintenance man, but a beloved and dependable presence.

Rick was a member of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, where he found spiritual grounding and community. He had a knack for fixing just about anything - and doing it with a smile.

He found joy in life's simple pleasures: cheering on Penn State, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, helping with the Mt. Carmel Festival, and sharing laughs with friends and family. Rick also had a deep love for the holidays, especially decorating his home for Halloween and Christmas. Each year, he "lit up Broadway" with his festive displays, bringing joy to neighbors 

Rick will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His sense of humor, work ethic and generous spirit made him Altoona's "favorite handyman" - but to those who loved him, he was simply irreplaceable.

A life well-lived and a man well-loved-Rick leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication and love that will never be forgotten.

Friends will be received at Santella Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 3 - 8 PM, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM with committal at Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Give Kids the World: GKTW.org.

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