Mark S. Lightner

Mark S. Lightner, 78 of New Bloomfield, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 28, 2025.  Born in Harrisburg on July 6, 1947, to the late Albert E. and Eunice G. (Fogleman) Lightner of Elliottsburg, Mark is survived by four daughters:  Gina Rice (Sam) of New Bloomfield, Rachel Shields (Jeramie) of New Bloomfield, Michelle Smith of Dillsburg, and Megan Cain (Brian) of Greer, SC; and two sisters:  Melody Walborn of New Bloomfield and Dori Reisinger (Charlie) of Loysville.  In addition to his parents, Mark is preceded in death by his son, Seth Lightner, who died in 2008 and his two siblings:  Alan Lightner and Cathy McMillen.

After graduating from high school, Mark proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.  While serving from March 10, 1966 to January 28, 1970 as an Air Passenger Specialist, Mark earned the following decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citation and campaign ribbons:  National Defense Service Medal, a US military medal awarded for honorable active duty service during the Vietnam War; Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM), a foreign award given to US service members for six months’ service in Vietnam or provided direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for the same period; and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, which is awarded to Air Force personnel for exemplary performance and conduct over a qualifying period of service.

Upon returning to civilian life, Mark worked many jobs within the food industry and retired from Stroehmann’s Bakery in Harrisburg in 2006 after 29 years of service.  In his free time, Mark was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He was also a passionate sports/NASCAR fan.  He loved all sports – no matter the level – high school, college, professional.  His favorite hymn was Peace in the Valley, composed by Thomas A. Dorsey.

The family is having a private graveside service with military honors at Saville Cemetery, Ickesburg.  In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the National Rifle Association online at https://www.nrafoundation.org/donate.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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