Philip H. Lichty

Philip H. Lichty, son of the late Horace L. and Vesta M. Weaver Lichty died June 25, 2007 at the age of 86. Born in Terre Hill, Pa. but raised in Lancaster, Pa. he attended public schools in Lancaster and graduated from Franklin and Marshall College with a B.S. degree in chemistry in 1942. Philip entered the navy and rose to become Engineering Officer on the U.S.S. Robert H. Smith in the Pacific Theater during World War II and engaged in several major campaigns.

After World War II, he joined Hamilton Watch Company as a chemist involved in various research projects. Mr. Lichty became Chief Chemist and later managed the Instruments Division. When the division was sold, he went with it to found Datcon Instrument Company. The company engaged in the manufacturing and sale of engine monitoring instruments. Here he served as Vice president, president and later CEO and chairman of the Board. 

Philip was a life member of Pearl Street United Methodist Church, where he was very active teaching Sunday school, serving as chairperson of most major committees, including the 100^th Anniversary committee.

He served as the East Lampeter Township representative on the Lancaster Area Refuse Authority for 20 years as secretary and chairman. He served as a member of the Board of trustees of the local YWCA. He was a member of the Lamberton Lodge 3476, Lodge of Perfection, Valley of Lancaster and Harrisburg Consistory.

He is survived by his wife Betty and they would have been married for 65 years in September.  He is survived by two daughters: Patrice Kerr of North Wales, PA., Phyllis Stoll of New Providence, Pa., four grandchildren; Ian Stoll of New Providence, Erin Kerr of Philadelphia, Matthew Kerr of Brookline MA., Betsy Pettit of Estella  Manor,  N.J., one great grandson, Thomas Pettit. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Sean Patrick Callahan.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA on Friday, June 29, 2007 at 11:00AM. There will be no calling time. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made in Philip’s memory to Pearl Street United Methodist Church, 133 Pearl Street, Lancaster, PA. 17603. or   Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, Pa. 17604.