Robert C. Vannatten, 84, of Lattavo Drive passed away the morning of Feb. 14, 2010, at his home.

Robert was born Jan. 6, 1926, in New Castle to the late Donald B. and Minnie Henning Vannatten. He married the former Eleanor Ferry on Feb. 16, 1952. She survives. He retired after 60 years as a pipefitter with Local 47, Plumbers and Steamfitters. He had previously owned Kay Plumbing Co. He also was a former business agent for Local 39, which became Local 47. Following his retirement he worked at Castle Hills Golf Course and also drove for Galbreath Motors.

Robert was an Army veteran, serving from 1945 to 1947. He served as a sargeant with the 3195th Signal Service Co. in Leghorn, Italy, and was awarded two medals. Robert was a member of St. Camillus Church. He was an avid golfer and hunter. He enjoyed following his grandsons sporting events and accomplishments, and loved spending time with all his family.

In addition to his wife, Eleanor, he is survived by his son, Robert E. Vannatten and his wife, Karen, of New Castle; a daughter, Rhonda Dolin and her husband, Robert, of New Castle; two sisters, Thelma Haskell of Magnolia, Calif., and Phyllis Sheehy of New Castle; and six grandsons, Nicholas Vannatten, Josh Vannatten, Ryan Vannatten, Jonathan Vannatten, Joe Dolin and Andy Dolin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald Vannatten.

Calling hours will tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, 3000 Wilmington Road. A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday for St. Camillus Church, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Thomas Lewandowski. Burial will be in Castle View Memorial Gardens. The New Castle Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct a military service.