Howard R. Sell

Howard R. “Bud” Sell, 97, passed away from the effects of Covid and pneumonia at UPMC Altoona surrounded by his immediate family.

He was born on Oct. 13, 1926 in Altoona, son of Russell C. Sell and Mary (Carson) Sell.

He married Patricia Fink on July 25, 1952.

Surviving are his wife of 72 years, Patricia (Fink); daughters: Sharon Wall (John) of Altoona, and Julie Corl of State College; two grandsons: Sean Corl (Jessica) and Andy Corl, both of State College; a granddaughter, Colleen Wall (David White), of Somerset, N.J.; and two great grandchildren: Ava Corl and John Corl.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: sisters, Mary (Sell) How and Sally (Sell) Montgomery, and brother, Harvey Sell.

He graduated from Altoona High School in 1945 and entered the U.S. Navy in 1944 where he trained as a radioman and earned the rank of seaman first class. He served during World War II. When he left the Navy he attended St. Francis College on the GI Bill, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1951. During his time in college, he won the “Mr. Altoona” weightlifting contest at The Strand theater in 1949.

He retired in 1991 as chief executive officer of Investment Savings Bank. He continued to serve on the bank’s board of directors after his retirement until 2017. He was a director emeritus at the institution at the time of his death.

During his career he was a member of the Jaycees and served on the Altoona Planning Commission.

He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Altoona.

He loved having his family gathered around him during the holidays and every year made sure he hosted traditional meals at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Bud and Patti enjoyed traveling extensively, taking many trips to San Francisco, Hawaii, Las Vegas, New Orleans and New York City. They also took many cruises to desinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. He and Patti also loved visiting Atlantic City, where they honeymooned in 1952. After retirement, the couple also loved taking long drives exploring local restaurants throughout central Pennsylvania.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 pm on Friday, September 20, 2024 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 806 13th Street, Altoona, PA 16602.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.