Charles Burns Lighty

Charles Burns Lighty, 88, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 20, 2017. He was the husband of Vivian Elaine (Hinkle) Lighty, his wife of 65 years. Charles was born February 16, 1929, in Washington Township, York County, the son of the late Charles Bradlaugh Lighty and Mabel Belle (Smith) Lighty. 

In addition to his wife, Vivian, Charles is survived by a son, James K. Lighty and his wife Gail of Mechanicsburg; daughter Elaine L. Robinson and her husband Carl of Palmyra; daughter Cynthia M. Lighty and daughter Anita M. Lighty, both of Palmyra; four grandsons, Adam C. Lighty and Eric L. Lighty, both of Mechanicsburg, Brian J. Robinson of Provo, UT, and Matthew A. Robinson of Palmyra.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Herbert S., Lewis W., Homer T., George R., a sister, Lura (Betty) Altland, and a daughter, Cathleen Ann. 

Charles was a graduate of East Berlin High School, class of 1946. He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II for the occupation of Korea, and was honorably discharged on January 22, 1948, having received a World War II Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). He was a devoted organic gardener, and loved trees and watching and feeding birds. He enjoyed American history, loved Washington Nationals baseball and telling corny jokes.  Charles was a long-standing member of the East Berlin Historical Preservation Society and enjoyed demonstrating apple cider pressing using an antique cider press.  He was a member of the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, and other organizations devoted to preserving America’s parks and wildlife.

Charles wished to express his gratitude to Dr. Glick of Wellspan Cardiology for extending his life for many years.  The family wishes to thank Compassionate Care Hospice for providing the hospice care needed to allow him to pass in peace at home as he desired.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 455 Church Road, Lebanon. There will be no viewing. Burial will be private at Red Run Cemetery in East Berlin at the family’s convenience.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc..  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Audubon Society (tribute gifts) at 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor, NY, NY 10014.

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