After a life of love and quiet grace, Howard L. Schooley of New Castle, PA has passed.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Howard spent his working life as ['Supervisor'] and held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.
Howard L. Schooley, age 93, of Shenango Twp., passed away the morning of May 3, 2026, at his residence.
Born May 19, 1932, in New Castle, PA, he was the son of the late William P. and Mary M. (Preisel) Schooley.
On Aug. 15, 1952, he married his beloved wife of 73 years, Kathleen (Essinger) Schooley. Mrs. Schooley survives.
Howard was a 1951 graduate of Eastbrook High School. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. Howard worked at L.T.V. & Republic Steel for many years before going to W.C.I Steel, where he retired as a Supervisor. Some of his favorite hobbies included golf, being a 'backyard mechanic', working on cars, and being a handyman and professional 'tinkerer'. Howard was known as 'Mr. Fix It' to his family and friends, but to his grandchildren, he will be remembered as the grandfather who was a 'fix it grandad'. Howard was a member of Republic Steel Supervisor's Club, The Eagles #455, and Savannah Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife, survivors include 4 sons, Gary M. (Betsy) Schooley of New Castle, PA, Mark C. (Cynthia) Schooley of Wexford, PA, Greg D. (Renee) Schooley of Brookline, PA, Brian K. (Jennifer) Schooley of Prattville, AL; 1 brother, James P. (Patti) Schooley of New Castle, PA; 1 sister, Mary Schooley of New Castle, PA; 10 grandchildren, Jason, Damon, Brent, Megan, Aaron, Kelsey, Brooke, Adam, Grace, & Anna; 7 great-grandchildren, and several loving nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents Howard was preceded in death by 6 brothers, Eugene, Arthur, Ernest, Thomas, Francis, and Robert Schooley, and 1 sister, Blanche Murdock.
Visitation will be held on Sat. May 9th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.
A funeral service will take place immediately following visitation at 4:00 PM with Howard's grandson, Pastor Adam Schooley, of Victory Family Church, officiating. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform Military rites.
Burial will be at Mt. Hermon Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.
