Dorothy Ann Lightner

Dorothy Ann Lightner, 86, passed away peacefully, Aug. 31, 2024, at Masternick Memorial in New Middletown.

She was born Dec. 21, 1937, in Youngstown.

Dorothy was a proud 1957 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, where she created lasting friendships that would carry her through the years. She dedicated her 30-year career to the deli department at various grocery stores in the area and belonged to the UFCW union.In her personal life, Dorothy was a vibrant spirit with a passion for adventure, fun, and cherished traditions. She embraced life fully and loved traveling, enjoying trips to Atlantic City, dancing and taking cruises that filled her heart with joy. Among her most delightful hobbies was making pizzelles, a testament to her love for family gatherings and sharing treats with those she adored.

Her commitment to the Democratic Ladies with her sister Fran was another reflection of her spirited nature and devotion to her values. Dorothy also found great happiness having held lifetime friendships with three of her classmates, Jeanie Dambrogio, Marge DiPinto and Dee Balogh.Dorothy’s heart was immeasurably large, brimming with love for her family and friends. 

She is survived by her two daughters, Karen Lightner (Robert DiGiacomo) of Ocean City, New Jersey, and Jill (Ron Price) Blinsky of Poland; and her granddaughters, Paityn and Paige Blinsky, who brought her unparalleled joy and she treasured the time spent with them at the mall, movies and roller skating. She considered her nieces, Janice (Ron) King, Sharon (Gary) Luc and Lisa Licata like her own daughters; and adored her granddog, Bianca, who she loved to spoil. She also leaves her former husband, Edward Lightner; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Although her loss is profound, Dorothy is reunited with her parents, Frank and Kathryn LaRocco Wasko; her brother, Richard Wasko, a courageous POW in the Korean War and recipient of the Purple Heart; her dear sister, Mary Frances Strollo, who was her best friend and did everything with; son-in-law, Nicholas Blinsky; and niece, Gale Rudolphi.

Dorothy’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Masternick Memorial for all of their care and compassion over the years.

A private celebration of life service has taken place.

Professional arrangements are being handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.