Dr. Patricia Anne Farone

Dr. Patricia Anne Farone, 67, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at Jameson Care Center in New Castle, following her battle with cancer. She was born in Greenwood, Mississippi on November 7, 1944, a daughter of the late Frank J. and Dorothy M. (Schellenberger) Farone.

A 1962 graduate of New Castle High School, Patricia earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Slippery Rock State College. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education in Individual Counseling as well as her Ph.D. 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 Staff Assistant at Butler Community College in Butler. Several years later she worked with the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Area, teaching at Low Mountain Boarding School in Chinle, AZ.

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 various 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 their 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; sister Michele E. Farone of New Castle; nieces and nephews Christine DiGiovanni and husband Michael, Michelle Muszynski and husband Stephen, Alexandra Farone and Collin Farone; and grandnieces and grandnephews Carlin DiGiovanni, Katherine DiGiovanni, Logan Muszynski, Lander Muszynski and Layten Muszynski.

Visitation will be held at the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Avenue, New Castle, on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 6 PM to 8 PM.

A funeral service will immediately follow at the William F. DeCarbo Memorial Chapel. Father Dennis Blauser of Trinity Episcopal Church will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery in New Castle.