Lee Edward Pears, age 89, of New Castle, passed away the morning of Aug. 31st, 2024, at The Haven.

Born June 23, 1935, in New Castle, PA, he was the son of the late John Edward and Stella (Frost) Pears.

In June of 1957, he married his wife of 51 years, Patricia (Szelast) Pears. She preceded him in death in 2008. Subsequently he married his current wife of twelve years, Yvonne (Alex) Pears. She survives at home.

Lee was a 1954 graduate of New Castle High School where he excelled in playing football. He continued to play football, at North Carolina State College, until he joined the United States Army, where he was stationed in Ft. Knox, KY. Lee worked as a Mechanical Draftsman, employed throughout his long career, at Herr Voss, Aetna Standard Corp., and McCurley Houston Electric.

Gardening, bowling, golfing, tinkering, and building things, were some of Lee's various interests. He was a dedicated and active member of First Assembly of God. Lee served on the building committee, was a board member and Sunday School teacher, and always extended a helping hand to any project that needed finished. He will always be remembered for his servant's heart, as he was always willing to help those in need. Above everything else, Lee was an excellent example of being a Godly man and raising Godly children.

Along with his wife, survivors include three sons, Timothy (Diane) Pears of New Castle, PA, David (Wendy) Pears of Lebanon, TN, and Jeffrey Dru (Sue) Pears of Volant, PA; three stepchildren, Nicholas Elardo and Christopher Elardo, both of Pheonix, AZ, and Louis (Sue) Elardo of Temecula, CA; five grandchildren, Alexander, Avery, Aaron, Rashel, and Samuel; and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Rev. Harold Pears and Dr. James Pears.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 6th from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

A funeral service will take place immediately following visitation at 1:30 PM, at the funeral home, with Pastor Steve DeSantis, of First Assembly of God, officiating.

Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be offered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org or to First Assembly of God, 2021 Pulaski Road, New Castle, PA 16105.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.