John E. Harlan, 82, of New Castle, passed away the morning of May 5, 2017 at his residence. Born December 8, 1934 in Harlansburg, he was the son of Elmer F. and Ada Marie Shaffer Harlan. John is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ruth Kerr Harlan, whom he married May 22, 1957. He attended Fox Elementary School and was an Army veteran serving for 18 months in Germany as a spec 4. A full time farmer of his own land, John was also employed with U.S. Steel at the Ellwood Tube Mill as a craneman until his retirement in 1983. He also was the caretaker for Mt. Hermon Cemetery. In addition to the enjoyment he got from farming, he liked hunting, and was proud to have restored 2-Cylinder John Deere tractors. A member of Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church, he served as a trustee. Besides his wife Ruth, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Scott Smail of New Castle; one son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Trinda Harlan of New Castle; one brother, Howard L. Harlan and a brother-in-law Raymond Frazier both of New Castle; two sisters, Margaret Jane Walters of Mercer and Thelma Marie Domblisky of Gilbert, AZ, and one sister-in-law, Mary Jane Harlan of Ellwood City; and five grandchildren, Wayne (Tennille) Smail of New Galilee, Brendan, Sean and Andy Harlan all of New Castle and Brandy Smail of New Castle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Thomas and William Harlan; and one sister, Eleanor Frazier. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church with Pastor Marsha Parrish officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hermon Cemetery. Memorial contributions and may be made to Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church, 3116 Frew Mill Road, New Castle, PA 16101. Online condolences and shared memories of John may be offered at www.cunninghamfh.com.