Joe Plant, 84, of New Castle passed away peacefully on August 18th at UPMC Jameson Hospital following a long struggle with heart disease. He was born on July 27, 1934 in Emeigh Run, Pa. At the age of 9 Joe's family relocated to New Castle. He frequently reminisced about watching his first New Castle High School football game from the window of his bedroom. It was at this early age that he began a lifelong love for high school sports and most especially New Castle Hurricane football and basketball. One of his proudest accomplishments was the fact that he attended 670 consecutive NeCaHi football games without interruption both home and away. In 2017 due to failing health his perfect attendance streak came to a conclusion when it became an impossibility for him to attend any additional games. He was well known throughout New Castle as a treasure trove of New Castle High School sports statistics. He was proud to have been a charter member of the Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame. Following his high school graduation from the New Castle High School in 1952 Joe was employed by Youngstown Sheet and Tube for 36 years and American Industries of Masury, Ohio for 9 years. He was preceded in death by his parents. Anna and Joseph Plant. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cheryl, as well as his three sons, Jeff Plant (Nadine) of Elizabeth, Pa; Steve Plant (Lisa) of Wexford, Pa; and David Plant of Hong Kong; a brother, Gilbert Plant (Theresa) of New Castle, Pa. and a sister, Delphine Huff (Larry) of Las Vegas. He was so very proud of his grandchildren Amanda MacManus; Stefanie Plant (Greg); Kyle Plant (Ashley); Jocelyn Moore (Justin); Bryce Plant; Gretchen Plant; Heidi Plant and all of his wonderful nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, Pa. Visitation hours will be Saturday, August 25th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM. There will be a memorial service immediately following visitation. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the New Castle High School Athletic Department: checks payable to New Castle High School Athletic Dept. - mailing address: Administration Building 402 Fern St. New Castle, Pa. 16101.