Deacon John E. Rys, 68, of Altoona died at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at UPMC Altoona, after a brief illness.

Deacon Rys was born in Johntown on December 11, 1946 son of the late Adam V. and Helen (Porowski) Rys. He married Linda M. Bracken June 5, 1971 in Conemangh.

Retired in 2010 as an Administrator in Radiology and Technology from the Altoona Hospital.

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

Deacon Rys was 1964 graduate of Bishop McCort High School, attended St. Francis University and graduated from The School of Radiology at Conemaugh Hospital, Johntown. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Sylvan Hills Country Club, Hollidaysburg. He enjoyed his family, especially his two granddaughters, the beach and being a Deacon at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

He is survived by his wife and two sons William A. Rys of Alexandria, VA and Jason P. Rys of Allison Park; two granddaughters Audrey Rys and Lydia Rys. He is also survived by special bother-in-law and sister-in-law Pat and Donna Kimble of Tipton. He was preceded in death by a brother James Rys.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

Committal Rites will be held Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.

Friends will be received Friday from 5 - 8 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home where a Vigil for the Deceased will be held during the visitation.

In memory of Deacon Rys, please make contributions to Catholic Charities, 12th Ave. & 13th St. Altoona, PA 16601