Feb 16, 2022

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

He was born on October 12, 1947, son of the late Sylvan and Mary Matyuf Altieri of Canonsburg.

Richard graduated from Cannon McMillan High School, and 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 October 20, he married his wife of 48 years, Patricia Kerner Altieri. They lived in Canonsburg, 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 fisher, never really catching that “Big fish we’d always heard got away”. 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, 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; and son, Ashley Altieri of Rock Hill, South Carolina. He leaves behind 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 Holy Trinity Parish PNCC located at 1702 South Jefferson Street, New Castle, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022, followed by a reception in the church hall. Msgr. John Rencewicz II. will officiate.

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 Cemetery of the Alleghenies at a later date and will be announced.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home of New Wilmington, PA.