Joseph M. Francis I, 69, Altoona, passed away suddenly on Friday at UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, as the result of a Ventricular Storm.

He was born in Toledo, Ohio, son of the late Joseph J. and Anna (Fitsko) Francis. On Sept. 28, 1968, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Barbara A. Bernazzoli, at St. Patrick's Church, Gallitzin.Surviving are his loving wife; a daughter, Renee A. Luciano and husband, Rob, and their children: Alexis and Robert Luciano Jr.; and a son, Joseph M. Francis II wife, Dana (McConnell), and their children: Joseph M. III and Jocelyn Francis.He was preceded in death by his aunts, uncles and cousins.Joe lived in Amsbry for his childhood and teenager years. He was a 1965 graduate of Gallitzin High School and served as class president. He attended Altoona Business School, Penn State University and received his Programming Analyst Training in Boston, Mass. He served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist 4 during the Vietnam War from 1967-69, where he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, 182nd Aviation Company, where he was a radio infantry man. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal with V for Valor, as well as Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal and the Air Medal. He worked at Penn State University, U.S. Envelope in Williamsburg, Delta Computers, Century Systems and Luciano Companies until his illness.Joe was an accomplished accordion player and took lessons from Mario Crocetti. He was an avid golfer and served on the board of directors and was the house chairman of the Summit Country Club. He was known as Mr. G-Q on the golf course. He belonged to Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Altoona, in which he truly loved. He was a member of the Ashville VFW, Gallitzin American Legion, a life-member of the Bavarian Aid Society, St. Stanislaus Polish Club, Ceaser Battiste and Amsbry Rod and Gun Club. He was well known as the Taxi Cab for high school students. He was a very loving, caring and humble man and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, and 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at Santella Funeral Home, Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Altoona. Committal with full military honors will be at Calvary Mausoleum, Altoona. www.santellafuneralhome.com