Richard Altieri, 74, of New Castle passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.

He was born on Oct. 12, 1947, son of the late Sylvan and Mary (Matyuf) Altieri of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Richard graduated from Canon McMillan High School.

He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1970. He served as an aircrew technician on the McDonnell F-4D Phantom II for the 36th Fighter Wing as part of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Bitburg Air Base in Germany, then in Libya, and was a Purple Heart recipient while serving in the Vietnam War.

On Oct. 20, 1973, he married his wife of 48 years, Patricia (Kerner) Altieri. They lived in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, before settling down in New Castle.

He was a computer programmer at Shenango China Company in New Castle, and then traveled the country while driving semi-trucks.

Richard was always known to help his neighbors and others with anything from yard work to fixing things and more. He loved gardening outside, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, never really catching that "Big fish we'd always heard got away." He also loved spotting deer, fishing and boating with his grandkids, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his family.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 793 in Cecil, Pennsylvania, and was elected Surgeon for the VFW Post 6233 in West Middlesex, where he also served on the honor guard.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia (Kerner) Altieri of New Castle; daughter, Jennifer (Joseph) Nilvo of Los Lunas, New Mexico; son, Ashley Altieri of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and five grandchildren, Gianna Nilvo, Gino Nilvo, Sara Altieri, Lily Altieri and Paul DeLange. He also came from a large family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Daniel, David and Raymond Altieri; and sister, Dena (Altieri) Bykens.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at Holy Trinity Parish PNCC, located at 1702 S. Jefferson St., New Castle, followed by a reception in the church hall. Msgr. Richard Rencewicz II will officiate.

The family will receive guests one hour before church service begins.

The West Middlesex American Legion and Wheatland VFW Honor guard will preform military honors following the 11 a.m. Mass at church.

Internment will take place at the Cemeteries of the Alleghenies at a later date, and will be announced.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Smith Funeral Home of New Wilmington.