Farone

Dr. Patricia Anne Farone, 67, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away on Sunday at Jameson Care Center in New Castle following her battle with cancer.

She was born in Greenwood, Miss., on Nov. 7, 1944, a daughter of the late Frank J. and Dorothy M. (Schellenberger) Farone.

A 1962 graduate of New Castle High School, Patricia earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Slippery Rock State College. She went on to earn a master's degree in education in individual counseling, as well as her doctoral degree in counselor education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Her teaching career began at West Pittsburg Elementary School, in the New Castle School District, and continued with the Bellevue Public Schools in Pittsburgh. She then served as a staff assistant at Butler County Community College. Several years later she worked with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Area, teaching at Low Mountain Boarding School in Chinle, Ariz.

Although her professional career began in education, Patricia's focus gradually turned to counseling and social work. Her interest in psychology and psychotherapy led her to join the staff as a therapist at St. Francis General Hospital Community Mental Health Clinic in Pittsburgh. After earning her doctoral degree, Patricia worked as a psychotherapist and social worker at the Beaver County Community Health Center in Rochester.

With years of professional experience and her specialization in intensive individual and group psychotherapy, Dr. Farone became director of the Lutheran Service Society Butler Family Counseling Center in 1982. Additionally, she consulted and worked with social and mental health services and agencies in Allegheny and Butler counties.

Following retirement from the public sector, Dr. Farone established in Butler, Affordable Counseling Associates, Inc., a community service organization for individuals, couples and families seeking mental health consultations, counseling and/or therapy. Her recent illness prevented continuation of her practice.

Patricia had a deep appreciation, knowledge and love of music, especially classical compositions. With several years of piano lessons, as well as her personal initiative, she became an accomplished pianist in her own right. She loved and supported the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, attending its Sunday concerts when possible.

Friends, family and associates will likely recall Patricia's penchant for spirited and lively discussions on theory, social issues, topics of the day and politics.

Patricia is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Frank G. and Camille Farone of New Castle; Foster D. and Holly Farone of Harrisonburg, Va; her sister, Michele E. Farone of New Castle; nieces and nephews, Christine DiGiovanni and her husband, Michael, Michelle Muszynski and her husband, Stephen, Alexandra Farone and Collin Farone; and grandnieces and grandnephews, Carlin DiGiovanni, Katherine DiGiovanni, Logan Muszynski, Lander Muszynski and Layten Muszynski.

<B>FARONE</B> —Visitation for Dr. Patricia Anne Farone, who passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, will be at <B>William F. and Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home</B>, 926 Cunningham Ave., New Castle, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.A funeral service will immediately follow at William F. DeCarbo Memorial Chapel. Father Dennis Blauser of Trinity Episcopal Church will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery in New Castle.Online condolences may be submitted at www.decarbofuneralhome.com.Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.