Michael James Gority

Michael James Gority, 63, of Altoona passed away Sunday at his home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Altoona, son of the late Cecil and Anna (Kuhn) Gority. He graduated from Altoona Area High School, and married his best friend and the love of his life, Jan Jackson, on February 6, 1972. Mike worked for the railroad as an engineer for 31 years and retired in 2005. He was a loyal husband, devoted father and grandfather, and gregarious friend. In recent years, Jan and Mike enjoyed time spent in Hilton Head, SC. He was a Civil War buff, an avid golfer, and member of Sinking Valley Country Club, Juniata VFW Post 8685, the Heidelberg Country Club, the Swiss Rifle Club, the Bavarian Aid Society, The Cesare Battisti Club, and the Buccinese Society. Mike adored his three sons John, Michael, and Sean. He was devoted to attending their various sporting events, enjoyed spending time with them golfing, hunting, and fishing, and taking family vacations to the beach. Mike enjoyed spending time woodworking with his brother John. Mike will be most remembered for his huge heart, bright smile, and caring nature. He took special pride in his Irish lineage. Mike leaves behind a remarkable family legacy in his wife Jan of 43 years; three sons: John (Kerry), Michael (Dana), and Sean (Sarah); eight grandchildren: Johnny, Mia, Anna, Lucas, Shane, Alison, McKayla, and Michael; two sisters: Catherine "Cookie" Hardin and Regina (Joe) Freidenberger; a brother: John (Donna) Gority; and his loving mother-in-law: Marjorie Jackson. Mike is preceded in death by six siblings: Joseph, Regis, Clement "Bud," Robert, and Raymond Gority, and Maryanne Schmidhammer. He will be greatly missed by numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Family and friends will be received, Wednesday, February 4 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 PM at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Juniata. A funeral mass will be held, Thursday, February 5 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 806 11th Street, Altoona. Interment at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to Dream Go On, a local non-profit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding sessions to adults and children who are physically challenged, receive mental health, behavioral health, or family therapy services. Donations may be sent to: Attn: Debbie Kelly, Dreams Go On, 1006 Valley View Blvd, Altoona 16602.