Cypert Olan Whitfill, 88

May 23, 2025

Cypert Olan Whitfill, 88, passed away peacefully in Lancaster, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 25, 1937, in Floyd County, Texas, he was the fifth of six children born to Alpheus Festus Whitfill and Christina Grace Feagan Whitfill.

Raised on a small farm in Floydada, Texas, Cy’s strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity were evident from a young age. At just five years old, he began picking cotton to help his family, and by high school, he had already built his own radio and started Whitfill Radio Repair, eventually expanding into television repair. A proud member of the FFA, Cy also earned his first radio license in his teens—one he would keep current for over five decades.

Cy attended Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech) from 1955 to 1957 before transferring to St. Mary’s College of Kentucky to study under the renowned Trappist monk and writer Thomas Merton. Following his academic pursuits, Cy served three years in the U.S. Army, training at the U.S. Army Language School and later serving with the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade, Maryland. While in the Army, he also attended University of Maryland School of Law at night, graduating cum laude in 1965.

After admission to the Maryland Bar, Cy clerked for Judge Stewart Day before beginning a long and distinguished legal career in Harford County, Maryland. He practiced law from 1965 to 1982, served as Assistant and City Attorney for Havre de Grace (1965–1979), and was a member of the Harford County Charter Board in 1971. In 1982, he was appointed to the Harford County Circuit Court, where he served with integrity until his retirement.

In 1960, Cy married Betty Lorine Castle of Pacific Grove, California. Together they had six children: Martin Andrew Whitfill (Anna), Elizabeth “Lisa” Yvonne Butler (Michael), Sharon Annette Whitfill, Edward Festus Whitfill (Tracey), James Douglas Whitfill, and Jeffrey Denis Whitfill (Debbie). After their divorce, he married Marsha Jean George in 1990. Cy and Marsha lived in Bel Air, Maryland until 2018 when they moved to Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster Pennsylvania.

Cypert Whitfill was a lifelong learner and tinkerer.

After retiring from the bench, he pursued a Microsoft Hardware Repair certificate—just for fun. He built his own radios, clocks, and computers, and read voraciously, driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He and Marsha explored the United States extensively, driving to 49 states and cruising to Hawaii.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alpheus Festus and Christina Grace Whitfill, and by his brothers Reuben, Douglas, and Denis and one great grandchild. He is survived by his devoted wife Marsha George Whitfill; his children Martin, Lisa, Sharon, Edward, James, and Jeffrey; his grandchildren Drew Whitfill, Jeremy Sage (Crystal), Jessica Sage Liebau (AJ), Jozef Hoenig (Holly), Heidi Leitch (Sean), Johann Hoenig, Franz Hoenig (Darian), Joseph Whitfill, Jason Whitfill, Jasmine Whitfill, and Amanda Bell; 12 great-grandchildren; his brother Albert Preston Whitfill and sister Cynthia Ann Romo and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cy lived a life grounded in service, curiosity, and love for his family. He was a true gentleman who helped when he could, listened without judgement, and cared so deeply for so many. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, quiet generosity, and deep commitment to justice, learning, and craftsmanship.

The Whitfill family would like to send special thanks to Lancaster General Hospital and Willow Valley Communities for their exceptional skills and personal care to Cy and this family. In lieu of flowers, we would like to recommend making a donation to Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation. 100 Willow Valley Lake Dr. Willow Street, PA 17584

Friends and family will be received on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 10am to 11:30am at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584. Burial will take place at 2pm at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Rd., Annville, PA 17003.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall at Willow Valley.

Thank you to all who loved and respected Cy. He would give his blessing to you all.