Obituaries

Kate E. Dattilo, 40

October 30, 2022

Kate E. Dattilo, 40, of Lancaster, PA, passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by her husband Jay and family on Sunday, October 30, 2022. She was born in Lebanon and was the daughter of N. Lynn Ebersole and the late Beth Ann (Lebo) Ebersole (2017).

Kate is survived by her husband James “Jay” T. Dattilo and daughter Ann L. Dattilo, 4. Kate and Jay were married on October 11, 2008. They lived in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Lancaster with Ann and their golden retriever Arnie.

Kate grew up in the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church of Mt. Joy. She graduated from Hempfield High School in 2001 and the University of Pittsburgh in 2005.

Following her studies, Kate enrolled as a member of The New Teacher Project (TNTP). As a Philadelphia Teaching Fellow, with a focus in special education, Kate began her lifelong dedication in supporting underserved youth.

Kate was a co-founder and COO of the Environmental Charter School (ECS) in Pittsburgh. Her contributions to special education and her innovative approach to teaching and learning continue to shape progress and success in education in Pittsburgh. More recently, as Senior Director of Strategic Projects at Milton Hershey School, Kate was integral to the development of the Catherine Hershey Schools of Early Learning (CHS). CHS will transform the lives of children in need by providing them with the foundation for lifelong success. Kate was intelligent, considerate, and humble, in her career and elsewhere.

Surviving in addition to Jay and Ann; her father, Lynn (Betsy) Ebersole, of Mt. Joy, three sisters, Mary (Ryan) Carson, Amy (Jimmy) Kreider, and Meg Ebersole, all of Lancaster, two sisters-in-law, Jessica (Rob) Gonzalez, of Pittsburgh, Clare (Leigh) Valudes, of Falls Church, VA, mother-in-law, Mary Louise Dattilo and father-in-law, Thomas Dattilo, of Pittsburgh, and eleven beloved nieces and nephews.

Kate embodied the word grace and cherished her family and friends. Her favorite place on earth was the beach, particularly Avalon, NJ where she loved spending annual vacations with her family. Kate had a way of describing anything she enjoyed or loved as “lovely”, so we ask that you think of her and use this word often. She had a gift of understanding the needs of her loved ones and was selfless in offering just what was needed. This gift will remain with all of us who knew and loved her.

All are invited to greet the family at a visitation on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 2pm-4pm and 6-8pm at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory 2421 Willow Street Pike Willow Street, PA 17584. A Memorial Service will honor Kate’s life on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 2pm at Trinity Lutheran Church 31 S. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. There will be no visitation prior to the Memorial Service on Saturday. Parking for Trinity Lutheran Church on S. Duke St. Lancaster can be accessed from the East King Parking garage or S. Duke St. Parking garage, or on-street parking.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kate’s memory may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 3 International Drive, Suite 200 Rye Brook, NY 10573 https://www.lls.org/, American Red Cross (PA Regional Headquarters) 2801 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 https://www.redcross.org/, or https://bethematch.org/ for research with stem cell donors.

Watch the tribute video

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

November 14, 2022

We are so sorry for Jay and the rest of the family.  Jay and I are cousins and we have known each other since we were little.  We were fortunate enough to get to know Kate a when she came into Jay’s life, what a wonderful person and tremendous accomplishments for others in the short time she was here.  There are no good words really but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  With deepest sympathy, Mike, Sherry, Ella and Parker Sands  

November 11, 2022

Deepest condolences to the family of Kate.  She was a beautiful soul. My deepest sympathies to her doting husband and beautiful little girl.  Being her caregiver was an honor. May her soul rest peacefully knowing the legacy she leaves behind.  

November 11, 2022

My deepest sympathies go out to Kate’s family.  Kate was a very kind and welcoming person.  I will never forget the she was the one who hired me at the Environmental Charter School in Pittsburgh. We didn’t talk too much about work, instead we talked a lot about family and our connection we had.  My brother Chad knew Jay and his sister Claire from high school. 
Kate was taken way to soon, bit will never be forgotten.

November 10, 2022

So sorry to hear of Kate’s passing. I have great memories of her from our days at Hempfield and our misadventures in basketball. She had the biggest smile, could always make me laugh, and was a great friend. My thoughts are with you. 

November 09, 2022

Lynn and Family..Although we only met Kate and her family briefly in 2017 when Beth passed, we have felt very close to your family over the years and send heart felt sympathy to all the family.  What a beautiful woman with kind and caring ways.  She certainly has touched many lives. 

November 08, 2022

I’m so sorry for your loss.  Kate was an incredible human and, though we haven’t kept in touch since college, I could never begin to describe what a truly kind and caring person she was.  Intelligent, funny, curious, nurturing – the list goes on and on.  Deepest sympathies to your family.

November 07, 2022

Dear Ebersole Family:
it is with great sadness that I read about the loss of Kate. No one wants to lose a daughter and sister at such a young age. As a child of God Kate has to die to be born again. While her death is to sad to understand, God has a plan for Kate and she is with her mother in the hands of Jesus. Please remember, you will all be reunited with her and your mother in the kingdom of Heaven. God bless you all and Jesus will comfort you in this time of need. As someone who lost his wife of 44 years three years ago, I understand your loss and pain.

November 07, 2022

Lyn Ebersole and family,,,With Deepest Sympathy In the Loss of your daughter, Kate…..The loss of your daughter is a loss beyond words—- May you find comfort in the strength of your love, the solace of your memories and the knowledge that many care and mourn with you today.    –UNCLE DON.

November 07, 2022

I worked with Kate at Milton Hershey School and got to know her better through the MHS Leadership Academy. Her leadership skills, keen attention to detail, grace, and warmth were to be admired. I know she loved the word “lovely” and, I would argue she epitomized the phrase “lovely human being.” We often shared our affection for JCrew and would comment on new pieces we recently picked up at the Hershey Outlets. She will be missed.

November 07, 2022

I am so sad to hear of Kate’s passing. She had such a huge positivie impact on my time at ECS. Kate was so kind and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her. Sending love to her family, especially her daughter and husband. 

November 06, 2022

To Jay, Ann and Kate’s entire family, I send my deepest sympathy on your loss. I met Kate a couple of times when she attended board discussions at the Milton Hershey School and I was so impressed by her intellect, warmth, compassion and strong conviction to make every child’s life better. She left an indelible impact on me. I will keep all of you in my hearts and prayers as you both celebrate and mourn dear Kate. I regret I can’t visit with your family on Friday afternoon but I will be at the service on Saturday. With warmest regards,
Jan Bergen.

November 06, 2022

The nurses at Ann B Barshinger were so saddened to hear about the passing of Kate. She was such a bright light and kind soul. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. 
 

November 06, 2022

we were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Kate. The Ebersole family has been an inspiration to us while watching Beth and Lynn support and guide their girls through life. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Dottie Wauls

November 06, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss.  It’s been almost 22 years since I last saw Kate (I was her track coach at Hempfield). She was an excellent athlete and was always bright, cheerful and positive.  A bright light on a bright team.  It was gratifying to read about her positive impact on the world.  That was Kate.  I’m sorry for your, and the community’s loss.  

November 05, 2022

Words cannot express the sorrow I am feeling. Kate was always a ” lovely “cousin that radiated joy with her smile. When talking with her she made you feel like you mattered as a person . You will be missed by many , me included. Stacy Landis

November 05, 2022

Dear Ebersole Family,
 I am so sorry for your loss. Kate was such a lovely person. May all the happy memories of your time with her help you through this difficult journey. 
Sincerely,  Jeannie Ryan
 

November 05, 2022

Jay so sorry for your great loss.
The  peace of God comforts you in terrible time. Bless you!

November 05, 2022

Praying that peace settles on the hearts of your family during this difficult time. May your memories of Kate be a source of comfort in the days ahead. 

November 05, 2022

Kate was a wonderful individual. I will always remember her warm and kind presence.
Please accept my sincere condolences. 

November 04, 2022

Jay,
We can’t imagine your great loss, and want to extend our most sincere condolences to you and Ann. Kate was a true, lovely lady in every sense.  We were privileged to know her.

Visitation
Friday, November 11, 2022
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Visitation
Friday, November 11, 2022
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Saturday, November 12, 2022
2:00 PM
Trinity Lutheran Church
31 S. Duke Street
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info