John Kent Hale, age 90, of New Castle, PA passed away on September 22, 2023, at UPMC Jameson Hospital.

Born February 24, 1933, in Turkey City, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Robert F. and Minetta (Altman) Hale. John was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School and Clarion State Teachers College, where he earned his B.S. in history for secondary education and M.S. in library science. He married Betty Lou McCleary who survives on November 9, 1956. They were married for 66 wonderful years.

John was employed as librarian at Laurel High School, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 1993. He was an active member of Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church and served as an usher and elder. Actively involved in the local community, John volunteered for Habit for Humanity, and the annual Salvation Army Toys for Tots drive.

At age 18, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was sent to Korea in June, 1952, where he was wounded in action after being hit by mortar fragmentations. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his recovery, he reported to Camp LeJeune, NC and was attached to a Flame Tank Platoon. He was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in June, 1954. John joined the Marine Corps League in New Castle and remained a very devoted member throughout his life.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughters, Lori (Joseph) Sager and Mary Earl, both of New Castle, PA; his sons, Michael Hale, of Frederick, MD and Ronald (Gail) Hale of Damascus, MD. He is additionally survived by his grandchildren, Michael Hale, Emily Hale, Caitlin Hale, Cory Magazzine and Joseph (Olivia) Sager, Jr.

John was preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Jordan, brother, James Hale, an infant son, son-in-law, Jeffrey Earl, daughter-in-law, Dale Hale and grandson, Garrett Magazzine.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church in New Castle.

A service honoring the life of John Kent Hale will be held at the church immediately following the visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Michael Spicuzza officiating.

Military honors will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

Burial will be at St. Mark's United Church of Christ Cemetery in Monroe, PA.

The family is grateful to the dedicated medical staff at UPMC Jameson who cared for our father and went above and beyond to accommodate our family, as our mother was also in a hospital room several doors away from dad.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home of New Castle where online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com