Richard Oneal Barnhart

Richard Oneal Barnhart of New Cumberland passed away peacefully at his residence on Kit Drive on Sunday, May 29, 2022, following a lengthy illness. He was 91 years old. He was born in Ravens Rock, WV., on April 23, 1931, a son of Pearl and Hazeline (Shultz) Barnhart. Richard was a lifelong member of the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene and retired from the former Weirton Steel after more than thirty-seven years of service as a tool and die, maker. Neil was a quiet, soft-spoken man who will be remembered as much for his quick one-liners and wry sense of humor as he will for his deep commitment to faith and family. For nearly 72 years of marriage with his wife, whom he affectionately called Bets, he enjoyed the simple things in life, such as a good Western or tending the family farm, where he took great pleasure in bailing hay. He also relished traveling the country, often wintering in Sebring, Florida. Neil spent many nights playing guitar around the campfire with Betty, Junior, Noreen, and many new-found friends. An accomplished guitar player who inspired the love of music in several members of his family, Neil could not read a sheet of music, but he could artfully play any Country or Bluegrass song after only hearing it a few times. His talent was impressive, and his imprint can be seen in the New Cumberland area, where he built houses with his brother and nephews. This imprint can also be seen in his great-grandchildren, as he taught them music, cut logs for their Tonka trucks, entertained them with stories on Mimi’s porch, and encouraged their mischievousness in the “Cousin’s Cabin” he built. He was a true patriarch who will remain adored for generations. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter Susan Christine Casagranda. Remembering him fondly with love and admiration is his wife Betty Barnhart, grandchildren John M. (Kourtney) Casagranda, Richard J. (Chelsea) Casagranda, and Lisa N. (John) Guzzo, nine great-grandchildren, son-in-law John Casagranda, brother Pearl (Noreen) Barnhart Jr., and several nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives will be received at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home Wednesday, from 11 AM until the time of the 1 PM service. Pastors Larry Barkley and Jim Barnhart will officiate. Interment will follow in Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to Valley Hospice, 10686 OH-150, Rayland, OH., 43943. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com