L. Thomas Lighthall

L. THOMAS LIGHTHALL of Plum Borough, Pennsylvania, went home to his Lord on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Tom was born in the home of his parents, the late Dr. Rev. Earl W. Lighthall and the late Margaret (Haney) Lighthall in Speers, Pa.  He lived in many towns as his father was transferred within the United Methodist church pulpits.  It was when his father was transferred to the First United Methodist Church of Homestead that he met and married his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol.  They were “many moons in same canoe” as they liked to say. They loved each other very much and were always grateful to God for bringing them together.  

Surviving are his wife, Carol Ann (Howden) Lighthall, his son, Benjamin E. Lighthall of Munhall, Pa and daughter, Deborah L. Dauterman (Chris) and three grandchildren, Michala, Dominique and Sam Dauterman of Aurora, Ohio.  Tom is also survived by a brother, Kirk (Diane) Lighthall, of Denver, Colorado, and his sister, Katherine Lighthall of Scottdale, Pa.  His elder brother, Rev. Kent Lighthall pre-deceased him in 2021. 

Tom graduated from Homestead High School in Homestead, Pa and the University of Denver, in Denver, Colorado with a dual degree in Fine Art and a minor in Psychology.  After graduation he moved back to Pennsylvania finding employment with the S.S. Kresge Company for several years.  He was transferred to Erie, Pa with the S.S. Kresge Company and then worked for General Electric for a few years before accepting a position with Travelers Insurance Company.   In his career with Travelers, he lived in Erie, Ridgway, Altoona and then in Pittsburgh, Pa.   He worked in the Claims Department where he achieved the positions of Senior Supervisor/Senior Technical Specialists and became a Serious Injury Supervisor before his retirement after 35 years with Travelers in 2001, during which time he won many accolades and awards for his handling of claims and work with attorneys in negotiating honest and fair claims. 

Tom loved the Lord and quietly served HIM by serving others.  Tom loved to sing and did so with his beautiful bass voice in his church choir and in many other choirs throughout his long life.  He participated in the Seton Hill Community Choir, the University of Pittsburgh Community choir, The Bach Choir, The Presbyterian Church of Murrysville Community choir, the Murrysville Festival Chorus, the Good Shepherd Lutheran church choir (for special occasions), the First United Methodist Church choir of Murrysville for 32 years and the choir at Holiday Park United Methodist church in Holiday Park, Plum, Pa., where he was a member until his death. 

He was also a gifted musician on his guitar, the bodhran, violin, auto harp, and piano.   He also played with a little musical group called the Celtic Ceol who played Irish period music on their acoustical instruments.  His music, art and talent brought much joy to many people throughout his lifetime.  

He was also a gifted woodworker and made many, many items for his own home and for others.  His family always said their home was the home “TOM BUILT” as he made many items within the house.  A grandfather clock, the dining room table, cabinets in the dining room, den and kitchen, tea tables in the living room and a cabinet to hold the television, being just a few of the many items of furniture he made.   He made many items for friends and neighbors and fixed many things for them as well. 

When someone was in need, Tom was always there, never wishing anything in return for his kindness and generosity.   He was always willing to try to help in whatever way he could if anyone asked, be it wood working, singing, or just hauling something with his truck.  He was a caring generous man.  He also sold some of his wood working items at various Craft Stores.  He was the main builder of the stage and many props for the Master’s Puppets Team which he and his wife headed for 10 years at the First United Methodist Church of Murrysville, Pa., where he also served as Head of the Worship Committee and on many other committees within the church during the 32 years he attended that church.  He also graciously took on the role of custodian of the church for several years, holding open that position so that the paid custodian, who was battling cancer, could return when he was well enough.   Along with his love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, he deeply LOVED his family.    He may not always have used WORDS to tell them how much they were loved, but his every action proved it.  By his hard work all of his life, he fed, sheltered, encouraged them, gave them a reverence for life and for God and always provided for their needs and a home in which to live.  We know the Lord has already welcomed him home with the words……” Well done, good and faithful servant”. 

Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., Murrysville. A Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Holiday Park United Methodist Church, 81 Sandune Drive, Pittsburgh, Pa, 15239.  Interment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont, Pa. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com

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