Lewis H. Pickel, 79, of 730 Mt. Herman Church Road, New Castle, passed away the afternoon of September 29, 2012 at UPMC Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh.Born September 30, 1932, in New Castle, he was a son of Lewis K. and Hazel Marsh Pickel.He was a graduate of New Castle High School.Lewis retired from Penn Power in 1993 after 43 years as a lineman trouble shooter. After retirement he was a driver for the Manheim Auto Auction.He enjoyed boating and was a member of the Power Squadron boating club. He also liked hunting and fishing, and was always ready to help a friend in need.Lewis was a volunteer with M.S. 150. He was active in Boy Scouts and was an Explorer advisor.He was a former member of Epworth United Methodist Church where he served as an usher, a lay leader, and the Sunday school superintendent.He is survived by two sons and their wives, David C. and Delores F. Pickel of Sellersburg, IN and Donald L. and Anne M. Pickel of New Castle; his dear friend of 17 years, Nancy Hart of New Castle; four grandchildren, Justin L. and his wife Jessica Pickel of Indiana, and Matthew D. Pickel also of Indiana, and L. Joseph Pickel and Carley L. Pickel of New Castle; and one great-grandchild, Peyton Jo Pickel of Indiana.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Pickel.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 3012, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 4, 2012, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road.A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. John Yergan will officate.Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.