Dennis A. Zilla

1952 - 2025

Dennis Arthur "Denny" Zilla, 73, of Hickory Township, passed away the morning of Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his residence. Born March 21, 1952, in New Kensington, he was the son of Joseph E. Zilla Sr., and Helen B. (Zywan) Zilla. Dennis was preceded in death on July 27, 2016, by his wife of forty years, Debra Lynn (Anderson) Zilla, whom he married on Sept. 5, 1975. After his graduation from Springdale High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Human Development at Penn State University. Dennis spent his working career as a counselor with the PA Youth Development Center in New Castle. Dennis had great faith in God and was an active member of the Word of Life Family Church in New Castle. He lived his faith in service to others, in both his professional career and personal life, and was a blessing to those whose paths he crossed. He is survived by one son, Andrew D. Zilla of New Castle; two brothers, Joseph E. Zilla Jr. of McMurray, PA, and Thomas P. (Denise) Zilla of Hollidaysburg, PA; one sister, Susan Y. (Lynn) Lucas of Connellsville, PA; three brothers-in-law, Douglas N. (Colleen) Anderson of Arizona, Kenneth T. (Kim) Anderson of Texas, and Mark A. Anderson of Mars, PA; sister-in-law, Tamara L. (John) Jones of Callery, PA; nieces, Laura (Brett) Stackhouse, Amy (Matt) Makoski, Jordan Zilla, Alex Anderson, and Kendall (Mike) Chuk; nephews, Steven Lucas and Will (Caitlyn) Jones; several great-nieces and nephews; many cousins in his extended family; and several close friends. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William N. and Cordella M. Anderson; brothers-in-law, William G. Anderson and Timothy S. Anderson; and sisters-in-law, Lori Zilla and Jacqueline Anderson. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at R. CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Ted Saad and Denny's cousin, Father Paul Zywan, officiating. Burial will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, alongside his wife, in Twin Valley Cemetery in Delmont, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Word of Life Family Church, 326 Laurel Blvd., New Castle, PA 16101, Attn: Pastor Ted Saad. For more information and to offer online condolences, please visit www.cunninghamfh.com.