Glenn E. McKnight

Glenn E. McKnight, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday at UPMC Northwest Hospital near Oil City. He was born in Altoona, the youngest child of John V. and Mae Ella (Weaver) McKnight.

He was a 1951 graduate of Altoona High School.

On July 2, 1954, he married Joyce D. (Miller) who preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 2005, after celebrating 51 years of marriage.

Surviving are his three children: Debra (Ben) of Gig Harbor, Wash.; Becky (Brian) of Tionesta, Pa., with whom he resided; and Rob (Kelly) of Monroeville, Pa.; grandchildren: Geoff (Mark), Shannon (Thomas), Jahan (Heather), Kevin (Naomi), Maya and Macey (Adam); and great-grandchildren: Dom, Nora, Natalie and baby Tuyen. He was beloved by his many nieces and nephews, their families and too many friends to mention.

The last surviving member of the original Altoona McKnight family, Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and siblings: William “Mick,” Leroy “Mac,” Joseph “Punch,” Donald, Bonilee Irwin, Beverly McKee and Jay.

He started at the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) on Nov. 1, 1951, as a machinist apprentice. During his tenure with PRR, Penn Central and Conrail, he served as: an electrician apprentice, a draftsman, electrician mechanic, electrical shop supervisor (Juniata), general foreman (Sam Rea-Hollidaysburg), electrician gang foreman (Juniata), division gang foreman, wreck master, car foreman and machinist foreman. He retired on June 1, 1995.

Glenn was a 60-year member of Mountain Lodge 281 F&AM, serving as their Worshipful Master in 1970. He was a long-time member of the Jaffa Shrine serving in the Patrol Unit and as part of the Entertainment Committee. He also served on the Altoona High School, Class of 1951 Reunion executive committee.

One of Glenn’s proudest moments was being declared cancer free in September 2025, after battling small cell lung cancer with four rounds of chemo and 30 doses of radiation. He was an inspiration to other patients and well known for his “Perky Bows,” his perky attitude and his infectious smile. He was a lover of western TV/movies, trains and ice cream… especially banana splits - but most of all, he loved his family and his friends.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., 719 N. Fourth Ave., Altoona.

Additionally, friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at noon Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at the funeral home, with Pastor Eli Hess officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Brian Morden Foundation noting Glenn’s name in the special instructions (brianmordenfoundation.org), or by sending a check to BMF, 3002 Second Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.