Jerome Edward Lightner

Jerome Edward Lightner, 92, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in East Orange, NJ. Born in Chicago, IL, Ed recently resided in Orange, NJ. He worked at various jobs through his life, many of which were in the service industry. Ed loved his country and was proud to serve in the U.S. Army, as a communications specialist, during the Korean War.

Following service, he attended Seton Hall University and graduated with a degree in accounting. Ed was a great reader, and a “history buff”. He also enjoyed working with wood. Ed was a devout Catholic his entire life and especially had a devotion for the Blessed Mother. He was a local captain in the National Crusade for the Recitation of the rosary to Our Lady of Fatima.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, John and Gertrude Lightner (Anderson), as well as his three brothers and their spouses, John and Dolly Lightner, James and Elsie Lightner, and William and Cathy Lightner. He is survived by his children Michelle Renee Lightner Amato of Scottsdale, AZ, and Gregory Michael Lightner (Nicole) of Portland, OR; his brother Joel “Mike” (Pegeen Harrington) Lightner of Livingston, NJ; and his grandchildren, Lucie Joy Amato, Chloe, Sage, and Jackson Connor. He is also survived by his close friend, Joe Egidio and the rest of his Sunday “Church and Brunch” group.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 26, from 9-10:30 am at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Livingston. Funeral mass will follow at St. Philomena’s Church, Livingston, at 11:00 am. Cremation will be private.