Sgt. Sean McGregor Van Der Wal, age 25, of Ft. Hood, Texas with the 411 MP Company, passed away while a passenger in a motor vehicle accident on March 6, 2016 in Georgetown, Texas. Born November 17, 1990 in New Castle, he was the son of Scott and Deanne Rainey Van Der Wal whom reside in New Castle. A 2009 graduate of Neshannock High School, he attended Mercyhurst College after receiving a baseball scholarship, where he received his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, graduating in 2011. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor's Degree from the University of California in December, 2013 with a major in Homeland Security and a minor in Business. He had recently been accepted into the Master's program at Angelo State College in Texas. On April 29, 2014 Sean entered the United States Army where he was assigned to the 411th Military Police Company, 89th MP Brigade, where he served as an enlisted MP soldier. During this time he received several medals including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal. Sean was recently accepted to the Special Reactions Team Corps for military police. He was a member of St. Vitus Church of New Castle. Sean was an avid sports fan, enjoying and participating in both baseball and football. He always held a special place in his heart for all animals. Sean was known by everyone as having a great sense of humor and exceptional laugh. Valuing comradery and loyalty, Sean was a true friend to many. He was a truly dedicated son and brother, and a proud soldier of the United States Army, who will be sadly missed but never forgotten by all the lives he touched. In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Marissa Van Der Wal of New Castle and her companion, Christopher Walker; a nephew, Jordan Walker; and his maternal grandmother, Sylvia Fair Rainey of New Castle. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Fredrick and Virginia Van Der Wal and his maternal grandfather, Robert Rainey. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 18, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA. A Blessing Service will take place on Saturday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Larry Adams officiating. Full military rites will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Sgt. Sean Van Der Wal to the Wounded Warriors Family Support, 920 South 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, NE 68114, or online at www.wwfs.org Online condolences may be offered at www.cunninghamfh.com.