Richard L. McClain

Richard L. McClain, 77, Altoona, passed away Thursday morning at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Altoona. He was born in Pittsburgh, son of the late Robert L. and Ruth L. (Nicodemus) McClain.

On May 8, 1967, he married Sharon A. Smith in Beaufort, S.C.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years; a son, Timothy N. (Cathy) of Wilmington, N.C.; a daughter, Tara H. Young (Matt) of Wetumpka, Ala.; grandchildren: Brandon McClain, Megan Peterson (Daniel), Angel Padilla, Isabella Padilla, Emma McClain and Max Young; a great-grandson, Liam Peterson; a nephew, David E. McClain (Pam); and a niece, Robin Morris.

He was preceded in death by a brother, David H. McClain.

Dick was a 1964 graduate of Altoona High School. He retired as a Staff Sergeant from the Marine Corps, Army and PA National Guard.

Dick was instrumental in the founding of the Blair County Miracle League alongside his friend Joe Reed. He was a former member of the Eldorado Kiwanis Club and was an umpire for many years at the teener league.

After moving to Alabama, he became a lifetime member of the United States Marine Corps League.

He was very active and took part in as much as he could. He placed flags on graves for Memorial Day, took part in Wreaths Across America, was very active in Toys for Tots, and had a weekly shift at Our Lady Queen of Mercy Adoration Chapel in Montgomery, Ala.

In 2014, he was awarded Marine of the Year for the state of Alabama.

He was a member of St. Bede Catholic Church where he served as an usher and Eucharist minister. After his move back to Altoona, he served as an usher at Our Lady of Mount Caramel until he became ill.

He was a former member of Swinging Squares, Square Dance Club and he enjoyed dancing, camping and spending time with his grandchildren. He had a love for God, his family and the Marine Corps.

Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2024, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., 719 N. Fourth Ave., Altoona.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Our Lady of Mount Caramel Catholic Church, 806 11th St., Altoona, with Father Frank Scornaienchi, TOR officiating. Interment will be made at Grandview Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dick’s honor to the Blair County Miracle League, P.O. Box 1091, Altoona, PA 16603 (pamiracleleague.com/donate)