Joseph Payne

Joseph Sean Payne, 84, of Altoona, died Friday following an extended illness. He was born in Newark, N.J., son of the late Stanley Joseph and Viola (Foley) Payne.

He retired in 1976 as a New Jersey State Policeman with 10 years of service.

He was a member of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona.

Joe was a high school graduate. He was a member and past president of the Irish American Club, and past Vice President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Eagles, Life-time member of Duncansville VFW Post 8724 and Knights of Equity Court 15 and a foster parent for Blair County Head Start.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, fishing, hunting and making pipes. He was recognized for his portrayal of St. Patrick during St. Patrick’s Day Week. He led the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Pittsburgh in 1986. Joe attended FBI Academy Camp in Peekskill, N.Y.

Joe served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and received the Korean Service Medal and American Defense Medal.

He is survived by eight children: Joseph Payne Jr. and Amy Lynn Gray, both of Altoona; Sean Patrick (Christina) Payne, of Spring Lake, S.C.; Maureen Ann Payne, of Altoona; Kathleen Margaret Mary Payne, of Dysart; Courtney Payne, of Lakeland, Fla.; Ryan M. Payne, of S.C.; and Liam Payne, of Altoona; a sister, Patricia Logan, of Kearney, N.J. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by a grandson, Sean Patrick Payne Jr.; and two brothers, Arthur and Jerry Payne.

Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at Jones Funeral Home, Altoona.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Thursday Dec. 30, 2021, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona, with Monsignor Stanley B. Carson, celebrant.

Committal Rites and Military Honors will be at Grandview Cemetery, Altoona.