Benjamin Lee Petrunak, 34, Altoona, lost his battle for life on Thursday morning April 4, 2019. He had a lengthy history of mental illness and substance abuse.

He was born in Altoona, Pa on April 17, 1984, son of Fred E. Petrunak and Renee L. (Lawson) Craddock. Surviving are his parents Fred E. (Linda) Petrunak of Altoona and Renee L. (William) Craddock of Homo Sassa, FL. 2 bothers Bradley (Mary Joy) Petrunak of Duncansville, Pa and Brian Petrunak of Altoona, a half sister Elyse Petrunak of Ann Arbor, MI, a step brother Michael (Amanda) Reulbach of Altoona and a step sister Jenna (Sara) Kruszka of Arvada, CO, 2 nieces Jade Petrunak of Duncansville and Ava Reulbach of Altoona and paternal grandparents Fred A. and Geraldine Petrunak of Altoona. Ben was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents James and Dorothy Lawson of Patton.

Ben was a graduate of Altoona Area High School and completed 3 years at Penn State, majoring in astrophysics and mathematics. He worked in the eye field for years as well as stints in landscaping and construction. A delightfully fun and funny guy, he had many friends and possessed all the tools for success – a brilliant mind, charming personality and a great smile and sense of humor. He loved nature, music, quantum pkysics and cats.

A Celebration of Ben’s Life will be held Friday, May 10, 2019 3-8 PM at Newry Lions Club, 400 Lions Club Road, Newry, Pa.

Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home.