Dawn K. Hamrock

Dawn Kathleen Shotzbarger Werhnyak Hamrock, 68, formerly from New Castle, PA, died suddenly on May 10, 2025. She was born in New Castle on April 15, 1957, the daughter of the late Alan Dale Shotzbarger, Sr. She was married to Randall L. Werhnyak from July 4, 1975 until September 26, 2001. She then married David J. Hamrock on November 11, 2011, he survives at home. Mrs. Hamrock was a graduate of New Castle Senior High School and St. Francis School of Nursing of New Castle. She was a registered nurse in PA and Ohio. Her passion was taking care of people while following the hospice philosophy of care. Every person who passed through Dawn’s care, directly or indirectly had made an impact on her. When she was asked how she could do hospice work, her answer was consistent, “it is as close as I can get to God without going to heaven myself”. She was involved in initiating and directing several Bereavement Support Groups. She had worked her way up the ranks to Clinical Director of a Hospice. Mrs. Hamrock was an exceptional nurse and was told that she was a “great” boss. Her staff always knew that she had their backs, whether they were right or wrong. She always felt that hospice nursing was her calling, her passion, but never her work. Beside enjoying her passion of hospice, Mrs. Hamrock also enjoyed time spent with family. She enjoyed time shared with her grandchildren. Her favorite times were spent at her son’s home for Christmas, where his wife always prepared an excellent meal, family was present, and the sharing of not only gifts, but love; unconditional love being the best gift of all. She also enjoyed reading, live theatre, concerts, and being present for her family and friends.

In addition to her husband David, she is also survived by two children, Randall Alan Werhnyak and Kristoffer Michael Werhnyak (Rachel) of Grove City, PA, two grandchildren, Lyla Grace Werhnyak and Heath Michael Wehnyak of Grove City, PA, one brother, Alan D. Shotzbarger Jr., (LeeAnne), nephew, Justin David Shotzbarger (Jennifer), nieces, Kelsey Lynn Quinn (Michael), and Nicole Marie Shotzbarger (Connor).

In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by a very special friend that she loved deeply and had never forgotten, Robert M. Turk.

With honoring Mrs. Hamrock’s request there are no vistation. There was a private service for the family conducted by Rev. Frederick Gilbert of Independent Methodist Church. Arrangements were made by the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Avenue.