Christy Jr.

Perry McCleland Christy Jr., 80, of 274 Bowden Road, New Castle, died Saturday night at his home.

Born March 9, 1931, in Ligonier, Westmoreland County, he was a son of Perry McCleland Christy Sr. and Lucy Weston Christy. Perry had eight living siblings growing up. Five others died at birth or shortly thereafter.

He married Shirley May Ballew on June 28, 1958, and lived in the New Castle area all his married life.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force after serving as a cook during the Korean War.

Perry was employed by Wolf's Iron and Metal in New Castle until 1976 when he became disabled. He was a driver for Fowler's Taxi Service and tended bar at the American Russian Club in his younger years.

He was a member of the Croation Club. Among his many interests were his dog, Luckey, his shed and the enjoyment of sitting in his yard. Also, he liked old westerns and country music and spending time with his family.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Diana L. Pettit and her husband, Gordon, of Franklin, Christine L. Dillow and her significant other, Andy, of New Castle and Zoeann E.L. Christy and her significant other, Ray, of Portage, Pa; a son-in-law, Michael Todd Brown; three sisters, Lucy Brightshue and Sara Brightshue, both of New Castle, and Pearl Stephenson of Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Jonathan, Peggy, Michael, Robert, Andria, Michele, Michael and Bobbijoe; and five great-grandchildren, Annaliese, Alayna, Jonalyn, Kiara and Cameron and soon, the arrival of a new grandbaby.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara A. Brown, who passed away in 2008; three sisters; and five brothers. There also is a brother of unknown status.

<B>CHRISTY</B> — Visitation for Perry McCleland Christy Jr., who died Saturday, May 14, 2011, will be at the <B>R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory</B>, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Strobel officiating. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery in Prospect.Military rites will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.Memorial contributions may be made to the VA Butler Healthcare, 325 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001.The obituary may be viewed and online condolences offered at www.cunninghamfh.com.