Walter Jay Lilley

Walter Jay Lilley, 64, of Shrewsbury Township, formerly of Lancaster, died Saturday, January 19, 2019 at his home. He was the loving husband of Teresa Boeckel Lilley and wonderful father to his son, Ian Lilley. Jay and Teresa would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Aug. 7, 2019. Jay was born on Sept. 22, 1954, the son of the late Edward and Midge (Hyman) Lilley. He was predeceased by a brother, Edward Craig Lilley. He is survived by a sister-in-law, Clara Lilley; a brother-in-law, Mark Boeckel, and his wife, Katie; a mother-in-law, Lois Boeckel; and seven nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Buddy. Jay was a graduate of Manheim Township High School in Lancaster County and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Millersville University in Lancaster County. Jay was a writing professor at York College of Pennsylvania and previously worked at Harrisburg Area Community College in Lancaster and Northeastern High School in Manchester. He was also a member Historic Wrightsville and former member of the Rotary Club of Wrightsville. Jay enjoyed reading, writing and photography, often serving as the family photographer. He enjoyed listening to Jimmy Buffet and Bruce Springsteen, studying Civil War history and vacationing at Chincoteague Island in Virginia. He made up funny bedtime stories for Ian, played Legos with Ian for hours, and taught Ian how to create movies. Jay had just introduced his son to model railroading, and they were looking forward to spending many hours building one. He was the greatest dad ever. Public visitation will be on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 1pm until a memorial service begins at 3pm at Hartenstein Funeral and Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom. Pastor Jeffery Slemp will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Paws for Homes, PO Box 90813, Alexandria, VA 22309 or American Heart Association (York Division), 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603, or the Rose Fire Company, 200 E. Main St., New Freedom, PA 17349.