Obituaries
Jon J. Pillion, 68
December 22, 2025
Jon J. Pillion, known to many as Captain Jon, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2025, at the age of 68. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Harold and Elizabeth Pillion.
Jon spent over 30 years in the food manufacturing industry, working diligently as a machinist and mechanic at Kellogg’s. He possessed a sharp engineering mind, always eager to take things apart to understand their workings deeply and find innovative ways to improve them. Whether he was tinkering in his garage or figuring out complex machinery, Jon’s hands-on approach and problem-solving skills were a testament to his curious spirit.
Outside of work, Jon had a zest for life that was apparent in his many hobbies. A lover of adventure, he found joy in jet skiing and riding motorcycles, often exploring new places on the open road. He was also an avid traveler who embraced the world around him, and his passion for golf provided him with cherished moments spent with friends and family on the green.
As someone who faced the challenges of prostate cancer with courage and determination, Jon took this matter seriously and made it his mission to advocate for awareness and early testing and detection. He proudly participated in No Shave November, showing his solidarity in the fight against this disease while encouraging other men to prioritize their health.
Jon is survived by his companion, Judy McCracken of Sykesville, MD; his children, Jennifer Pantone, wife of Jay of Miluakee, WI, and Jonathan Pillion of Deerfield Beach, FL; grandchildren, Filomena and Lawrence; a sister, Linda Lease of Lancaster, and a nephew, AJ Lease.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation
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Condolences to the Family
January 03, 2026
Condolences to the family. Jon had a heart of no bounds. His talent were massive and could only be appreciated by watching and experiencing his abilities. He will be deeply missed by anyone who he as touched. Dennis Huffmyer
January 02, 2026
Condolences to the family.
Jon and I served a four year machinist millwright apprenticeship together at Armstrong. Jon was laid off in 1983 when he then went to work with Kelloggs.
We shared lots of laughs and memories that will last a lifetime. I remember the one day he came into work all skinned up from laying his motorcycle on its side. A co-worker of his that many of you know, and former Armstrong Machinist Jim Barron jokingly told Jon he was going to call him “scarnick scabini.”
Rest in peace, Jon, and again, condolences to the family. 🙏
John Gebhart
January 02, 2026
Condolences to the family, Jon was interesting and enjoyable man to know. Al hake
January 02, 2026
My deepest condolences to all those who’s lives Jon touched. I was shocked and saddened the day Jon went to be with The Lord, especially since we had a brief conversation the day before and said that his bloodwork was good and he had no signs of cancer! Literally his last words to me were, “My strength is back. I feel very blessed.” Our friendship had been building from the day I met “jetski Jon” at our beloved sandbar on the Susquehanna about 12 years ago. Jon was such a positive thinking man. Always willing to help someone in need and genuinely cared about us. He would always stop to see how we were doing, be it on the river at the sandbar or at our campsite and we would keep in touch throughout the off season. He was intelligent, creative, talented in many ways, energetic and a true patriot. He could talk with insight and share his knowledge with anyone who cared to listen. I will miss those conversations and wish I had spent more time with him. His life was far too short. He was a blessing in my life and he will be deeply missed until we meet again in heaven where we have eternity to celebrate together. Michael A Kemph
January 01, 2026
what a shock! Jon was at our retiree luncheon when I saw him for the first time since I retired. Wonderful time to catch up. Jon was one of a kind. Always willing to help. Loved to ‘tinker’. A smile that was a mile wide & shared w/ everyone. R I P, Jon, born on the 4th of July. Pat B
January 01, 2026
Shocked to learn of Jon’s passing. What a colorful guy, quite entertaining as a story teller. RIP. John K. Alleman
