Obituaries
Harry Thomas Aichele, 90
May 16, 2020
Surrounded by his family at home, Harry Thomas Aichele, 90, of Lancaster, formerly of Lititz, went home to be with the Lord Saturday evening, May 16, 2020. He was born April 7, 1930 in Johnstown, PA to the late Harry Allen and Margaret (Nesbitt) Aichele.
He attended JP McCaskey High School and earned his degree in Police Sciences at Harrisburg Area Community College.
Harry or “Tom” as many knew him lived a life of Service. Starting with Scouting as a boy; he later served in the Naval Reserves (‘47-‘48) and then in the United States Marine Corps (‘48-‘53). He is a Veteran of the Korean War, served in Quantico, Cherry Point, Parris Island as a Drill Instructor, and Special Services as an Embassy Guard and Body Guard for the US Ambassador in Korea (‘51-‘53).
Upon his return to civilian life, Tom served with the Lancaster City Police Department from 1956 to his retirement as Lieutenant in 1982. He served in every possible capacity, but particularly enjoyed his tenure with the K9 and Motorcycle Units. He was most proud of his work as Department Training Officer, with colleague Bill Hoover and Pennsylvania Attorney General, on the development and implementation of Pennsylvania Act 120 establishing legislation of standardized training and education for Police Officers statewide. Among his many achievements and commendations; his family is proud of his recognition as Hamilton Watch Police Officer of the Year (1963), and his award of the Lifesaving Medal of Honor. He shot competitively with Lancaster City Police Shooting Team and Red Rose Pistol Club earning numerous medals and trophies.
Upon his retirement from LCPD, Lieutenant Aichele joined Warwick Township Police Department as Chief of Police, serving from 1982 through 1990; at which time he entered Private Security in various capacities until his ultimate retirement in 2019.
Harry was a 32nd degree Mason, and a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania, the Marine Corps Association, VFW, and The American Legion. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Church of Lititz.
Harry loved horses and played with the Lancaster Polo Club. He was instrumental in the addition of the Mounted Horse Patrol to Lancaster City Police Department.
But more than anything Harry loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Vivian (Landis) Aichele, Lititz Queen of Candles 1956, daughter Brenda Aichele Kammerer (Keith), son David Aichele (Betsy), daughter Tricia Aichele Hillegas, stepsons Bryan Keath (Debra), Brent Keath (Jill), and Kent Keath (Rose), seven grandchildren – Brandon Wileman (Rebecca), Michele Aichele Transue (Chris), Andrew Kammerer (Emily), David Kammerer, Brandon J. Keath (Adrian), Brandon S. Keath (Alyssa), Brent W. Keath (Jillian),
and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert K. Aichele, first wife Patricia Reynolds Aichele, both of Lancaster; and stepson Webb Keath of Lititz.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Harry’s life at a Graveside Service with Military Honors at the Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church Cemetery 18 Bomberger Rd. Lititz, PA 17543 on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 1pm.
For those who would like to honor Harry’s service as a retired Lancaster City Police Lieutenant, we invite all to join standing curbside in front of the Lancaster City Police Station 39 W. Chestnut St. Lancaster, PA as we process by with his flag draped casket on Snyder’s Harley Hearse at 12noon prior to the graveside service. We also invite Lititz friends and police officers of the Lititz Boro. and Warwick Township area to stand curbside along South Broad Street as we process through Lititz and pause at the Lititz Boro Police Station 7 S. Broad St. Lititz, PA to honor Harry at 12:30pm prior to the graveside service.
The family regrets that due to the current COVID-19 restrictions; they must forego a public viewing and post-interment luncheon. All are welcome at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harry’s name would be welcomed at the Lancaster Bureau of Police’s Mounted Horse Patrol. Checks may be made out to the Lancaster Police Foundation, write “Mounted Patrol” in the memo line and mail to Lancaster City Bureau of Police, Attn: Sgt. Michael Gerace, K9 & Mounted Units, 39 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
June 15, 2020
Dear Brenda, and the rest of the Aichele family. Your Dad lived an incredible life and was loved by so many. He loved you all and was so proud of you all. I’m praying for you all now. “May every sunrise bring you strength, and every sunset bring you peace.” I love you Brenda, and I’m always here for you. Pat
May 27, 2020
Dear Vivian, Brenda, David,Trish and families,
Yesterday was such an awesome tribute to “Tom”. He was such a remarkable person and my favorite relative. I’ve always loved Tom ! Yesterday’s service was very sad and yet very uplifting. RIP Tom !
Bo & Pat Bright
May 26, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Harry’s passing. I worked with him at the City of Lancaster Police Department in the late 70’s early 80’s. He was always kind and respectful to everyone. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Constance Zegley Luttermoser
May 26, 2020
Dear Vivian and Family,
I am sending you my prayers of sympathy at this difficult time. I really only got to know Harry when I would see the both of you at Udder Choice while having breakfast. He was truly a wonderful man and I could sense that just by talking to him. May you always keep all the wonderful memories close in your heart.
Peace and Blessings
Brenda Fetter
May 25, 2020
We spent hours talking when I worked night in Admissions at Retreat. He would have me walking up and down the hill with him. Actually tricked me. We’d walk down, then he’d say ok we’ll run partway up. I’d look at him like he was crazy but I didn’t want an 80 plus year old man beating me. Then we’d walk backwards and then run back to the lobby doors. The next few hours was me having asthma attacks alone in Admissions.. And he would go back to his area or do his rounds about campus. Great friend, great person. Rest in peace Harry.😢😢
Sonya Morton
May 24, 2020
I was a member of the Lancaster City Police Department for 27 years. On my first week as a cadet, I was assigned to ride with Sgt. Harry Aichelle on midnight shift. That was quite an experience. Harry was a hard nosed veteran of the department & he was a stickler for following department rules. I ended up working under his command for several years. Any hoseplay had to be hidden from Harry. Later when Harry made Lieutenant I again served under his command but now he wasn’t as hard nosed but more relaxed. It was a pleasure serving under his command. Rest In Peace Harry. Denny Arnold
May 24, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Always considered Harry a good FRIEND!
Franklin Myers
May 24, 2020
David, I was sorry to see the obituary for your Dad. He lived a good and accomplished life. It was great to reconnect with you and Betsy at Bob’s celebration earlier this year and I hope you are doing well.
Steve Senkowski
May 22, 2020
Dear Vivian & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
In deepest sympathy,
Ingeborg Ross
May 22, 2020
Vivian and family So sorry to read about Harry. He had quite a fantastic background. I wish I had really gotten to know him. We know he will be greatly missed. Our sympathies to you and family. Don & Lynn Krushinski
May 22, 2020
Dear Trish, Brenda, David and family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember Tom as a great guy with a keen sense of humor. He certainly accomplished much in his life. He is now at peace and enjoying the fruits of Heaven. Many great times as a young boy getting together with the Aichele family. My thoughts are with all of you. Sincerely, Sam Field
May 21, 2020
Expressing my condolences to Vivian, Dave and the rest of Harry’s family. I enjoyed working with Harry at St. Joseph Hospital. Each shift he always had a smile and made me laugh. You knew that he had your back as a security officer. Always remember the good times. Rest Harry.
Deborah Eby
May 21, 2020
Vivian and family members I was so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. I know he is with our Lord and free of suffering and is made whole in Christ. If there is anything I can do for you PLEASE let me know. We had such a short time together as neighbors and I will miss that sweet and honorable man.
With deepest sympathy,
Jo Ann Miller
May 20, 2020
So sorry for your loss, we wish your family prayers of comfort at this difficult time. You next door neighbors, Dennis and Vanessa
May 20, 2020
I want to offer my deepest condolences on Harry’s passing. He was my lieutenant at Schaad Detective Agency for several years and I learned so much from him during that time. He was the best boss who did everything he could to support his officers and I thank him for everything he did to make me a better sergeant. Rest In Peace Harry and thank you for your service, your dedication, your support, and your many words of wisdom.
Dee Englehart
May 19, 2020
Tom’s dear family, Know that I always loved Tom as my brother. Now he is in Heaven wilh his brother, my wonderful husband, Bob, and his Mother & Dad. We have great memories, going back many, many years. I will always remember those fabulous celebrations at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Family Reunions, picnics, etc. May they all rest in peace. Love, Mary Anne/Aunt Mary Anne
- Services
- Tuesday, May 26, 2020
- 1:00 PM
- Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church Cemetery
- 18 Bomberger Rd.
- Lititz, PA
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