Dennis Arthur "Denny" Zilla, age 73, of Hickory Township, passed away the morning of July 10, 2025, at his residence.

Born March 21, 1952, in New Kensington, PA, he was the son of Joseph E. Zilla, Sr. and Helen B. (Zywan) Zilla.

Dennis was preceded in death on July 27, 2016, by his wife of forty years, Debra Lynn (Anderson) Zilla, whom he married on September 5, 1975.

After his graduation from Springdale High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Human Development at Penn State University. Dennis spent his working career as a counselor with the PA Youth Development Center in New Castle.

Denny had great faith in God and was an active member of the Word of Life Family Church in New Castle. He lived his faith in service to others, in both his professional career and personal life. He helped many family members, his church family, friends, and strangers in his life journey, most importantly caring for his loving wife Debby, and helping to care for his father-in-law Bill and his big brother Joe. Denny was a source of faith and support for others experiencing challenges in life, whether by prayer, lending a listening ear, or helping with everyday chores.

He enjoyed working on cars and lawn mowers with his son Andy, planting and tending flowers at home and at church, and maintaining graves at several cemeteries for his large extended family. One could always find a tool for any job in the boxes and supply crates stored in the trunk of his car. Denny loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and their children. He was often in the middle of the action of their activities, and he provided the best "horsey" rides for the younger kids. Denny maintained an amazing memory of family members, birthdays and anniversaries, and other family events, and was the go-to person when there were questions or stories to be clarified. He was many things to many people, a blessing to those whose paths he crossed.

Denny's strong faith and special belief in the Holy Spirit were rewarded with frequent signs in recent years, often related to dates or locations specific to his wife Debby. They are now reunited in a special place along with many loved ones. Rest easy, Den. We'll take it from here.

He is survived by one son, Andrew D. Zilla of New Castle; two brothers, Joseph E. Zilla, Jr. of McMurray, PA and Thomas P. (Denise) Zilla of Hollidaysburg, PA; one sister, Susan Y. (Lynn) Lucas of Connellsville, PA; three brothers-in-law, Douglas N. (Colleen) Anderson of Arizona, Kenneth T. (Kim) Anderson of Texas, and Mark A. Anderson of Mars, PA; sister-in-law Tamara L. (John) Jones of Callery, PA; nieces Laura (Brett) Stackhouse, Amy (Matt) Makoski, Jordan Zilla, Alex Anderson, Kendall (Mike) Chuk; nephews Steven Lucas, Will (Caitlyn) Jones; several great nieces and nephews; many cousins in his extended family; and several close friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law William N. and Cordella M. Anderson; brothers-in-law William G. Anderson and Timothy S. Anderson; and sisters-in-law Lori Zilla and Jacqueline Anderson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation at 3:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Ted Saad and Denny's cousin Father Paul Zywan officiating.

Burial will be held on Friday, July 18, alongside his wife in Twin Valley Cemetery in Delmont, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Word of Life Family Church, New Castle PA, 326 Laurel Blvd., New Castle PA, 16101, Attn: Pastor Ted Saad.

For more information and to offer online condolences please visit www.cunninghamfh.com.