Earl R. Heckathorn, 81, of New Castle, passed away the afternoon of June 6, 2013 in the Jameson Hospital. Earl was born on June 26, 1931, in New Castle, to the late Ralph and Gladys McCreary Heckathorn. He married the former Verda L. Turner on Dec. 23, 1955. She preceded him in passing on August 14, 2010. Mr. Heckathorn was employed by Penn Power as a control room operator. Earl graduated from high school and went on to serve his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He was an avid Steelers and Penguins fan, but treasured, above all else, the time he spent with his grandchildren and his Sunday gatherings with his family. Mr. Heckathorn was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Earl is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Robert Wigg of Edinburg and Juli and David DiCola of Beaver; and four grandchildren, Benjamin and Nicholas Wigg and Marisa and Michael DiCola. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in passing by one sister, Lorene Houk; and one brother Ralph Heckathorn. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2013, from 2-6 p.m. and Monday, June 10, 2013, from 10-11 a.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Rd.Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Andrew Jillson will officiate. Burial will be in Unity Baptist Cemetery. Memorial Contribution can be sent to the Northminster Presbyterian Church 2434 Wilmington Rd., New Castle, PA 16105.