Cumberland, MD - Jan Patrick Alderton, 79, of Cumberland, died surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Allegany County Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was cremated per his wishes.

Born Nov. 22, 1946, in Cumberland, Jan was the son of the late Leroy "Pete" and Melda (Nixon) Alderton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jill (Alderton) Shroyer.

A 1964 graduate of LaSalle High School, he also attended Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University. Jan had a 48-year career with the Cumberland Times-News. He began working as a proofreader in 1967. In 1969, he was City Hall reporter and in the 1970s covered the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. He worked in virtually every newsroom position over the years, including brief stints as a sports reporter and editorial page editor.

Jan was the managing editor of the Times-News from 1999 until his retirement in 2015. He was editorial page editor from 1992 - 1999 and served as managing editor from 1987-1992.

Jan was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a former member of Mountain Amateur Radio Club and Cumberland Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, to whom he was married for 57 years; his daughter Linda (Alderton) Steele and husband, Dave; daughter Jennifer; and grandsons Alex Steele and Jordan Krampf. He is also survived by brother, Jeffrey Alderton; special nephew Christopher Lowe; and nieces Kristen Derry and Carly Alderton. In addition, he is survived by his best friend, William Hess.

Jan's battle with Parkinson's disease was met with courage and dignity. He faced each day with optimism and grace, inspiring those around him with his resilience. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Allegany County Rehab and Nursing Center, especially Shantelle and Autumn, whose compassionate care provided comfort and support during Jan's journey. A special thank you to Glenda Denby and Melissa Penrod for looking after Jan over the past few months.

Visitation will be held at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, on Wednesday, May 13 from 5-7 p.m. and Thursday, May 14 from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., on Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m. with Father Mark Carter officiating. Interment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery.

The family encourages donations to the Parkinson's Foundation in Jan's memory (https://www.parkinson.org/).