Obituaries

Michael C. Lightner, 85

June 11, 1937 - April 10, 2023

Michael C. Lightner, 85, of Lancaster, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born and raised in York, he was the son of the late Albert C. and Hilda (Sheffer) Lightner. Mike shared 63 years of marriage with his wife Dorothy A. (Tyson) Lightner.

Mike graduated from Central York High School and Penn State University, where he was contracted with ROTC. Following his commissioning, Mike served 20 years in the US Air Force, with tours in Vietnam and later in England as an air sea rescue helicopter pilot. Mike achieved the rank of Major. The Air Force was Mike’s passion, as he loved adventure and the opportunity to see the world.

He was an avid coin collector, and he enjoyed listening to classical music, doing yard work, gardening, and playing with the family cats. Stemming from his time living in England, Mike loved to watch British Mystery shows on PBS.

In addition to his loving wife, Mike is survived by their son Michael C. Lightner II, husband of Carolyn of York, and their children, Bradley, Rachel, and William; their daughter Karen, wife of John Loose of Lititz, and their children Kelly, Jessica, Kristen, and Jacob; four great-grandchildren, Wilson, Alex, Teddy, and James Lightner; and his brother Phil Lightner, husband of the late Nancy Lightner of Landisville.

Mike’s family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, followed by the funeral at 6:30 PM on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike Lititz, PA 17543. Private interment with Military Honors will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, York, PA.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution in Mike’s memory to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, payable to “Lancaster General Health Foundation” 2102 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 205, Lancaster, PA 17602.
Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute

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Condolences to the Family

April 23, 2023

Dear cousin, I’m thinking and praying for you and your family at this time. It’s sad to hear of Mike’s passing but I’m sure you have lots of happy memories to cherish. Your cousin Phyllis!!

April 23, 2023

Mike’s cheerful, outgoing personality is one of my clearest, fondest memories from the occasional Tyson family oyster bakes I attended growing up.
May his memory be a blessing to Dorothy Ann and all his extended family.
Alison Loucks

April 21, 2023

Dorothy Ann so sorry to hear of mikes passing. Even though we haven’t seen each other over the years, my heart will always go out to our family…some of my fondest memories growing up in York. Love ya cuz.. mike

April 20, 2023

Thinking of you Dottie (& family) and holding you close to my heart. Much love to you. I’ll miss seeing Mike enjoying his walks & time in the garden. Xo, Lindsay & Parke

April 20, 2023

My thoughts and prayers are with you Dorothy, Mike Jr and all the family. So wish I could be there for the service and to honor his friendship. Such great memories from our time at PSU with the Pershing Rifles Drill Team and trips up Tussy Mnt for beers after. Also his being one of the Saber Arch members at our wedding and the E-mails these later years. Asked Bill Westgard to convey my condolences since my health situation prevents my coming at this time. Blaine

April 18, 2023

My condolences to Dotti and the whole family for Mike’s passing. I met him at Penn State in 1955, and we have been best of friends ever since. I had the honor of serving as best man for his wedding to Dotti in 1959 and had the pleasure of being at their Golden Wedding Anniversary. He will be deeply missed. Bill Westgard

April 17, 2023

It is with a heavy, heavy heart that we send our condelences to Dotty and the family. Mike was a wonderful neighbor and a good friend. We will miss his stories, his humor, his laugh, and his warm smile. May his beautiful soul be accepted into God’s Great Grace. – Craig, Cherie, & Betty Fox

April 17, 2023

I was sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I knew him through his assiciation with Steinmetz Coins and mine with Charles R. Heisler, Inc. I can honestly say that I never had even a remotely negative experience with Mike. Best wishes and memories to Dottie and your whole family.
Walt Zollinger

April 16, 2023

I am sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My sincere condolences to Mike’s family and of course Dotty. Mike was a caring and friendly neighbor to my parents.
Kyle M. Fox

April 15, 2023

Condolences to you and your family. Love Mark and Ty

April 15, 2023

My sympathy to you all. My heart is heavy with the loss of my buddy of 66 years. Holding you all in the light.
Emilie (Emmy) J.

Visitation: Thursday, April 20, 2023; 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
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Services: Thursday, April 20, 2023; 6:30 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >