Joseph B. Lighty, 78, of Spring Grove, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Diane L. (Pottorff) Lighty.

Born January 26, 1948, in East Berlin, he was the son of the late George R. and Odessa M. (Blevins) Lighty.

Joe was a graduate of Dover High School, Class of 1967, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971. He married Diane Louise Pottorff in 1972 and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. Joseph was an electrical contractor by trade and was also skilled in plumbing, heating, car repair, carpentry, and many other mechanical areas. He was well known for his attention to detail, extensive knowledge of his trade, troubleshooting abilities, and thorough planning. Joseph was a perfectionist long before the word lost its meaning. In his free time, he frequently helped anyone in need. Whether it was a lack of heat or a dripping faucet, he would drop everything to ensure it was fixed. Joseph was a gun collector, hunter, and outdoorsman. He enjoyed finding a good deal at auctions or gun shows and relaxing at the end of the day watching Westerns.

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by his two children and their spouses, Justin Lighty (Grace) and Hanna Harman (Teque); twelve grandchildren: Jordan, Jace, Evelyn, Alastair, Adelle, Jalyssa, Jayleigh, Jarrett, Tilden, Jensen, Julian, and Cecily; his siblings and their spouses, Susan Eimerbrink (Don), Michael Lighty, Steven Lighty (Donna), and Nancy Schaffer (Andy); and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Daniel Lighty and Barbara Weitcamp; his daughters, Mariah Jo and Amanda Jo; and his son, Joseph William.

A memorial service to celebrate Joseph's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, at Calvary Bible Church, 603 Wilson Ave., Hanover, with Pastor Dom Aquilino officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery in Hanover. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the service. Please join us for a reception following the graveside interment at Calvary Bible Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to International Partnership Ministries at https://www.ipmworld.org/.

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