Wampum, PA - Richard Fredrick Hufnagel Jr., age 56, of Wampum, Pennsylvania, was called home to rest in the arms of Jesus on Feb. 9, 2026, with his loving family by his side.

Born Oct. 8, 1969, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Richard F. Hufnagel Sr. and Irene C. Watt.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Rich lived a life defined by integrity and kindness.

After graduating from Lawrence County Vo-Tech, Rich enlisted in the Army. Upon completing boot camp and training, he was stationed in Germany. He then served in the Gulf War. During his service he earned the rank of Sergeant E-5 and he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He continued his duty in the Army Reserves.

Following his service, Rich trained at the New Castle School of Trades and built a successful career as an industrial electrician. He worked for 26 years at NLMK in Farrell, Pennsylvania, as a member of the line crew. With his work ethic and expertise, Rich served as the lead for the central maintenance electrical department. Throughout his career, he trained countless workers and gained many friends.

Outside of work, Rich was known for his love of fishing, hunting and watching sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a member of the Lawrence County Coon and Fox Hunters Association. He greatly enjoyed 13 years with his faithful canine companion and best buddy, Peanut, who never left his side.

In addition to his parents, Rich is survived by his sister, Jeanann (Wayne) Gunther; aunts, Christina Barker, Martha Stewart, Rosemary Schnelle, Grace (Harold) Natvig; uncles, Robert (Lisa) Hufnagel and Christopher (Renee) Watt; nephews, Jarrod (Karlyn) Gunther and Alex (Randi) Gunther; nieces, Shawna Harris and Tara Gunther; and great-niece, Allie Snyder.

Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Helen Hufnagel and Christopher and Anna Watt.

The family will cherish the memories of his easy-going, kind and thoughtful personality. He was the type of person to show up with seven large Blizzards from Dairy Queen and then question if he brought enough. His generous soul was felt by everyone around him.

Throughout his three-year battle with cancer, he remained compassionate and gracious. Rich's gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of his family. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Honoring his wishes, the family will hold a celebration of life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rich's honor to the Lawrence County Humane Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.