Robert L. "Spike" Nail, 56, Altoona, passed away Monday at home.

He was born in Altoona, son of Walter Sr. and Violet (Nail) Wertz. He was adopted by Donald G. and Rose (Risoldi) Nail. He married Linda Schmidhamer Aug. 26, 1972. She died May 6, 2001.

Surviving are a daughter, Tracie Nail and fiance, Anthony DeStefano, of Altoona; three stepgrandchildren: Anthony Jr., Jewelen and Diamond, all of Altoona; his adoptive mother, Rose Nail of Altoona; two sisters: Barbara Settlemeyer and husband, Ronald, and Jane Grazier, all of Altoona; three brothers: John Wertz of Altoona, Herman Wertz and wife, Sue, of DuBois and Donald Wertz of Altoona; a great-niece, Alayna; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Marie Bannister and Alma Mae Wertz; and two brothers: William Sr. and Walter Jr.

Mr. Nail retired in 1991 from the U.S. Air Force as a technical sergeant with 22 years of service. He was a Vietnam veteran, serving in missile maintenance from 1970-84, and worked in the Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency from 1984-91. He also had worked for C-Cor as an electronics tester.

He was a 1969 graduate of Altoona Area High School.

Mr. Nail enjoyed playing pool, darts, bowling, dancing and art painting.

He was a life member of the Bavarian Aid Society, Unter Uns and Newburg Fire Hall.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008, at Santella Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, at the funeral home. Committal and interment will be at Blair Memorial Park, Bellwood.