Richard Thomas Ayres, Jr., age 75, of New Castle, PA, passed away the evening of Jan. 19, 2026, at his residence.

Born Nov. 1, 1950, in New Castle, PA, he was the son of the late Richard Thomas and Mary L. (Wescott) Ayres, Sr.

On Sept. 17, 1971, he married his beloved wife of 39 years, the former Melda Elizabeth Stanford. Mrs. Ayres preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2010.

Richard attended the Shenango Area School District graduating from Lawrence County Vo-Tech. For nine years, he faithfully served his country in the United States Navy, where he was an electrician. Throughout his career, Richard was employed by Badger, Flowline, and Faddis Concrete, where he worked as a welder. He was the jack of all trades, enjoying fishing, hunting, and boating. Richard also enjoyed cooking and baking his famous 'Navy style' dishes for his family and friends. He treasured the times he was able to spend with his family, especially his fury companions, Bruiser and Kit Kat.

Survivors include his four children, Ryan (Nicole) Ayres, Rich Ayres, Jennifer Ayres, and Mary Jane Ayres and her companion, Leroy W. Lyons, all of New Castle, PA; brother, Randy Ayres of New Castle, PA; sister, Fran (Larry) Jones of New Castle, PA; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday Jan. 23rd from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

Full military rites will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard, immediately following visitation, at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.

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