John P Grum

John P. Grum, 82, Altoona, died Friday at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus, with his family at his side. He was born in Altoona, son of John J. and Florence (Blazier) Grum. He married Doris M. Berry on May 29, 1949. Surviving are his wife of many years of Altoona; four daughters: Deborah (Bill) Lane, Denise (Larry) Wagner and J.P. (Joe) Richardella, all of Altoona and Teresa Grum at home; three grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan) Schroeder, Jenna (Ryan) Richardella and Joshua (Rebecca Johnson) Wagner; his mother; and many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. Mr. Grum was a graduate of Altoona High School. He was previously employed with the Pennsylvania Railroad and GTE Sylvania as a mechanic/maintenance worker. He attended Trinity Lutheran Church. John was an auto race car driver over many decades, from the 1950s through the 1990s, and was one of the most popular drivers on the dirt-track circuit. He was a member of multiple auto racing organizations and was inducted into several Racing Hall of Fame lists around Pennsylvania and Maryland. John enjoyed NASCAR, camping and spending time with his grandchildren. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc. (www.maukandyates.com), where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, with Pastor Eli Hess officiating. Interment will be in Blair Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Home Nursing Agency Hospice and/or ACEL Program.