John "Jack" C. Deal, Sr., 81, died on Sunday, April 8, 2012 at Landis Homes, Lancaster, PA after a long illness.  Jack was born May 12, 1930 to the late Ella P. (Rathvon) Deal and Charles M. Deal.  He was the husband of Elizabeth "Betty" J. (Wilke) Deal with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Surviving in addition to his wife, is a daughter Linda J. Edwards, wife of Robert, and a son, John "Chuck" C. Deal, Jr., two granddaughters, Amy M. (Edwards) Metzger, wife of Paul, and Bethany A. Edwards and two great granddaughters, Mikayla and Hailey Metzger.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Keller, wife of Richard Keller, and a nephew Richard "Rick" Keller.

He attended East Lampeter High School.  He was a left handed pitcher and held the record at East Lampeter High School with 18 strike outs in seven innings.  He played with the Lancaster County League from 1945-46.  In 1947, he played with the NY Yankee's Farm Club.  In 1948, he signed with the NY Giants and played with their Farm Club for 2 years until arm problems finished his career.

Jack retired from Armstrong World Industries in 1989 after 38 years of service and was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church.  Jack enjoyed gardening, especially his vegetable garden, trips to Florida in the winter, hunting and fishing.

A special thanks to Dr. Richard Jackson, his nurses, and all the staff at East Brook Family Health Center for their patience and understanding.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 with Pastor Robert Bailey officiating.  Family and friends will be received from 2-3 PM at the funeral home.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Please omit flowers. Contributions can be made in Jack's memory to Christ's Home for Children, 3182 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, PA 17562. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100