Obituaries

Johnny D. Green, 65

April 15, 2022

After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Johnny (John) D. Green, 65, left this earth peacefully in the arms of his family on April 15, 2022, in his home in Lancaster, PA. He is finally free of the many challenges endured after his diagnosis three years ago. His innovative surgery, performed by Dr. Christopher Wolfgang, at the time with Johns Hopkins University, now at NYU Langone, will hopefully further the study of how to treat this disease.

Although John was one of the youngest in his class during his school years, he thrived as a student and an athlete. He was named Senior Male Athlete of the Year at J.P. McCaskey High School in 1974 after going to states as a wrestler, playing baseball, and quarterbacking and punting for the football team. He was named to numerous all-star teams and achieved Athlete of the Week status in the local newspaper. He wrestled for two years, played baseball for three years, and played football for four years before graduating from Franklin and Marshall College. John was named Co-MVP of the Centennial Conference his senior year. In 2011, John was inducted into the J.P. McCaskey Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was inducted into the Franklin and Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1974 football team.

John spent his entire career at Lancaster Toyota where he excelled as a salesman and later as a senior new car manager. Customers valued his expertise and honesty, and he viewed them as new friends. John made it a practice to support the local businesses of his customers and was always available to them. He loved his employees and customers and was grateful to the Allen family for their support over the years.

John loved life and made the most of it. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially deep-sea fishing in Ocean City, Maryland. He loved hosting family and friends and would delight in grilling, having great food and drinks, and the occasional cigar at his firepit. He was always up for a good game of pinochle. John was the life of the party and had a real passion for people and life in general.

When John talked to someone, he had the ability to make him or her feel like the most important person in the world. He was an incredibly generous man who would reach out in a heartbeat to help a family member or friend. Although successful as a businessman, he remained down to earth and never sought what some would regard as status symbols. John believed it important to mentor others to help them reach their full potential. When you were a friend of John’s, you were a friend for life, as his sixth ward childhood friends can attest.

John was fortunate to marry the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Cheryl (Hall). Together they raised a wonderful family including Kathryn Cappella (husband Daniel), Danielle Green, and Taylor Green. To his grandchildren Violet and Charles Cappella, he was known as “Duke”. He delighted in their company even in his final weeks. John also loved his steady companion, his dog Dawson, who remained by his side.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Albert C. Green, Jr. and Helen (Chalfant) Green. He is survived by his siblings, Sister Brenda Smoker (husband Hal), Brother Michael Green, Sister Cathy Bonafede (husband Pete), and Brother Scott Green (wife Zugey). He is also survived by his in-laws, Eleanor and J. Vernon McMiname, Thomas Hall (wife Peggy), and Michael Hall (wife Elizabeth), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John and the family wanted to thank Dr. James Wolf of Lancaster for diagnosing John’s illness; the team at Johns Hopkins (Dr. Christopher Wolfgang, Dr. Dan Laheru, Dr. Amol Narang) for giving John a fighting chance; Dr. Naeem Latif, Jeanette Rickabaugh, and other staff at UPMC Lititz; as well as Hospice & Community Care of Mount Joy. A special thanks is extended to his niece, Teresa Green, who helped to take care of him in his final weeks.

John made it very clear he did not want people to mourn or be sad, but rather he wanted everyone to embrace life the way he did, with joy and happiness.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, at noon. Visitation with the family will be held from 10 am to noon preceding the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the John Green Scholarship Fund for J.P. McCaskey Student Athletes via the Lancaster Education Foundation. Contributions can be made to the fund online at www.lancastereducation.com/contribute, or by check payable to “Lancaster Education Foundation.” Please write “John Green Scholarship” in the comment box or memo line. Checks should be sent to Sandi Mauer, LEF Program Manager, 445 N. Reservoir St., Lancaster, PA 17602.

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Condolences to the Family

April 30, 2022

John Green was the most positive person that I ever met.  I played sand lot football with Greenie and he was a leader and a winner.  I also bought 6 cars from him over the years and he always treated me like family.  I’m sorry that I couldn’t attend the service today but I was there in spirit.  Thoughts and prayers for the family from the Steinbaecher’s.

April 30, 2022

Cheryl, Kathryn, Danielle, Taylor and Families. I know today will notbe easy and I know John would want you to remember the life he lived and the gifts of your life he left you. You were blessed to have such a wonderful community minded husband and father and all his Canadian Cousins will miss him too. Bless you 
Tom Cunningham from Canada 

April 30, 2022

Dear Cheri and family,
I met Johnny at Brookside in the late 60’s and what great times we had with the McCaskey crew.  John was always gracious when we had the turkey day games and it didn’t matter who won.  On to F&M where  he gave us many more outstanding memories. May you rest in eternal peace Johnny.
peace and love
Mary Lynn Hobday DiPaolo

April 30, 2022

Cheri,
Linda and I are very saddened by John’s passing. Our sincere sympathies are with you and your Family. 
Skip and Linda Weaver

April 30, 2022

Heavy heart goes out to the entire family. John was more than a neighbor and Toyota salesman, 5 cars from John, he was my friend. He was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone, self included. I can’t even write this without wiping the tears from my eyes. I’ve known the family for a long time and no longer in the area. 
Ted Long

April 29, 2022

Sometimes. You never know how much someone has meant and touched you until they are gone. thank you John!
Bob Smith

April 28, 2022

Dear Cherie and Family,
   I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of John and send my heartfelt sympathy to all. Don thought so much of John, and he was always so kind to him. Many fond memories of the fun get togethers on Brubaker Run and John was always the life of the party. 
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.   Audrey Harman
 

April 27, 2022

My deepest condolences goes out to all of John’s family and friends.  I met John way back in the 80’s when I started leasing vehicle from the dealership. John was always looking out for his customers and providing them with the best information in purchasing a vehicle.  He was honest, humble and a professional in his business. I enjoyed talking to him everytime I went back for service to my vehicle. He would always bring me up to date on his hunting adventures.  He loved the outdoors. I had my last dealing with him about three years ago and he was the same John I knew from my first contact with him. He will be missed by all.  Rest in peace my friend in God’s Heavenly Home. 

April 26, 2022

Johnny and I attended elementary, Jr high, and high school together.  A nicer guy you will never meet. Even though he was athletic and popular,  he was kind to everyone. I’m glad I knew him. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathies to his wife and daughters. My God give you peace and comfort in the coming days. 

April 26, 2022

Dear Cheri and family,  Its been years since seeing you but I’m so sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was always the friendliest and kind man.   I hope all your wonderful memories can help comfort you during this sad time. My thoughts are with you!     My deepest sympathy,      Cherie (Hogan) Donovan 

April 26, 2022

To John’s family:  I was so very sorry to read of John’s passing…and such a beautiful tribute written to honor his life.  John was one of my first students at McCaskey.  I was fresh out of college and John was in my French class.  He was one of those special teens that one remembers because he was so charming and up-beat, had an infectious smile, was always prepared for class, and always willing to try anything.  He was so much fun to teach!  Years later I ran into John again when buying a car.  How great was that!  So happy I was given the chance to reconnect with him.  It was genuinely a privilege to have known him.  
My prayer is that God’s loving hand will help to heal your sadness and bless your hearts with His perfect peace.   Mme. Jackie Hagy

April 26, 2022

I am saddened to hear of John’s death.  He and his family lived next door to me as teens.  He was always happy and busy with his sports, his family avid supporters of his abilities.  I have fond memories of those times,but time moves on and sends us all challenges. Some more so than others.  Peace to all of his loved one’s. It sounds that he lived a full life.  
Karen(campbell) danner

April 26, 2022

To all of John’s Family,
Family and friends bring strength, solace and above all, love. May these greatest gifts in time of sorrow come to you in abundance and guide your journey from the turbulent seas of grief to the warm harbor of peace.
Sincerely,
Sage and Woz

April 25, 2022

My deepest condolences goes out to all of Jon’s family and friends. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. May God give you tge peace and comfort during this difficult time.

April 25, 2022

“Greenie” was a Sales Mentor , Friend , Hunting buddy. I will always remember our hunts
and how much we laughed. He will be missed. But what a great time he had while he was here.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Cheri and the girls , and Family .

April 25, 2022

Deepest condolences to the family.  Cunningham Family

April 25, 2022

Dear Cheri,
I am deeply saddened to learn of your loss of John and send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I hold fond memories of his time at McCaskey, where he was one of my best students. All of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.  ~ Jane Pelland, Mt Pleasant, SC

April 25, 2022

I met John in 1999 and visited him at the dealership on and off through my career. He helped me buy three vehicles and was always kind, funny, and had a friendly demeanor. He will be missed. My thoughts to John’s family.

April 24, 2022

Cheri, Kathryn, Danielle, Taylor, and Family,
 
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, father and brother John.  Although my association with John was limited, I considered him a good friend. He lead by example in a way that most could not, or simply would not do. I truly admired his passion for life, his loyalty and dedication to his family and career, his ability to make friends, and to see the good in everyone he would meet.  A unique person who always left you feeling good about the conversation you just had with him. I remember numerous times I would see John at a local restaurant close to LTM that we both enjoyed,  and he always took the time to catch up. I remember telling John “you have got to be one of the hardest working people I know, selling cars is very demanding”!  John said “it’s what we do, and we’re the best at it”!  I always loved his confidence and desire to be the best at what he was doing. He always made you want to be equally excited about life’s abundant opportunities. Heaven has gained a champion, and we will all be better people if we learn from John’s great examples of how to live a passionate, positive and quality life. Rest in Peace John, you will be missed.
 
Sincerely,
Steve Martin

April 24, 2022

Our sincere condolences to the Green family. May his memory be eternal.
Joe and Melanie Gargano

April 24, 2022

So many memories and all involve fun and laughter. Neighborhood parties and Pitt tailgating… OBX family vacations. Whitney’s first car purchase… what an amazing man, husband and girl-dad. Our hearts go out to his family because his absence will be felt but he will be remembered with love and smiles.❤️❤️❤️

April 24, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My husband and I knew John for many years. I knew him from buying my first Toyota Forerunner and my husband knew him from working as a claims examiner. He was a terrific and upfront guy. We always enjoyed visiting John when the time came to trade up the vehicles. 

April 24, 2022

My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Cheryl. John was one of the good guys. May you be comforted by your many wonderful memories together. 

April 24, 2022

Perfect tribute to John.  I was honored to work for John for several years and he amazed me with his extraordinary amount of energy and his incredible ability to relate to ANYONE.  But his ability to relate was not superficial, he genuinely got to know people even if only for a few minutes.  You could tell because he would remember them and ask about their kids (by name), or their job, or whatever.  You had to be careful what you told John because once you told him, it was in there forever!  🙂
Relentless energy and enthusiasm.  Always had a smile and could lift your spirit in a heartbeat with a few personalized words just for you.  It was hard to have a bad attitude or be lazy around John.  His work ethic was infectious and you felt guilty if you didn’t at least TRY to match it, even if you probably couldn’t.
Strong as an ox but gentle as well.  He was made out of iron.  I enjoyed horsing around with him on occasion, playfuly wrestling while wearing a shirt and tie, and he had zero body fat.  Yet he had the softest hands ever.  Working a deal with John was always stimulating and fun.  I will miss the twinkle in his eye, the firm handshake as our eyes met, and how he’d flick in his hair in the back when he got excited about something.  I only saw him thru one lens (work) but I could see how much he loved life and I imagine he not only lived his to the fullest but helped everyone around do the same.  Absolutely a one-of-a-kind human and a joy to be around.  What a blessing to know him.  What I’ll remember the most will be how special he could make you feel, and he could do that to anyone he knew.  Need more John Greens in the world, but there was only one.  He touched so many.  Love and peace to his family and friends.  

April 24, 2022

I’m Terry Rieker’s mom saw every wrestling match Johnny wrestled sat behind his parents really enjoyed those days he was such a terrific guy Rest In Peace John 
 

April 24, 2022

To The Family of John Green:  My heart goes out to all of you with sincerest & heartfelt sympathy.  I first met John at Lancaster Toy in 1984 to purchase my first car with them.  When walking in, I asked for Jack Arment (who gave me directions to LTM but was not there that day), so John helped me process the entire sale; then still gave Jack the credit; something to me that was unheard of in the “sales world” & was highly impressed.  I owe John for my being a loyal customer of LTM ever since.  John had a fantastic personality & always made you feel like family & friend as if he knew you forever.  I know between family, friends & co-workers at LTM, he will be sadly missed by all.   God bless all of you at this very sad time as this is a great loss to all.  Sincerely, Sue Harris, Reading, PA       

April 23, 2022

What a beautiful and such an accurate story of John and who he was!   My prayers are with all of you now and in the days and weeks to come!  I was blessed to call him a friend and a sweet brother-in-law years ago.  He was always there for me.  I will never forget seeing him at my brothers funeral, a very long line, taking off work. Which I know was hard for him to get away and representing the family during my loss.  It is something that touched my heart deeply and I will never forget it!   Was blessed to know him as we all were!  Xo   

April 23, 2022

My deepest sympathy for your loss.  I lived next door to the Greens and remember going to John’s wrestling matches at McCaskey.  After I moved to California my Mom bought a car from John and told me what a great help he was to her in the purchase.  The Reservoir Street neighborhood was a great one to grow up in!  Linda Thompson McFarlen

April 22, 2022

I first met Johnny our sophomore year at JP McCaskey 1971. We played football together. I then chose to specialize with basketball while Johnny continued to excel at multiple sports. He was a multi-talented athlete and star quarterback.
Over the years since our high school days, our paths would occasionally cross. We always found time to say hi & do a little reminiscing. It was always a cheerful conversation no matter how long or short. I know he found the love of his life during our high school years. Cheryl, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you take some comfort knowing that he is now at peace. The world is now missing a really good guy. He will always be fondly remembered by many he touched. 
Bruce W. DeBord
 
 

April 22, 2022

John was a wonderful man I met and got to know working for Mazda as a District Manager and calling on the dealership. God Bless his family, my sincere condolences.

April 22, 2022

Prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Cheri and all of the family.  He lit up any room he entered, not by being the center but by beaming his good will and care on you.  Many of my early life memories include Johnny, whether following him in a sport or laughing silly at his antics at a family party.   He was a very special man and it was a blessing to know him.  

April 22, 2022

Cheri . Our thoughts and prayers are for you the girls.and families.. We have lost a great family member and friend to all who knew him.  So glad we have such happy memories to cherish. R.I.P.  John.
George & MaryLou, Tommy & Kevin Taylor

April 22, 2022

John was always energetic and made me feel special even though I hadn’t seen him in a few years. Great guy. Condolences to John’s family.

April 22, 2022

We pray for Cheryl and family. 

April 22, 2022

Great guy, always smiling and positive, a great example for all of us going forward.  Thoughts and prayers to the family. 
John Enoch 

April 22, 2022

Such a well written obituary. You captured the essence of Johnny very nicely. I first met Johnny at football practice when I was in 9th grade and he was in 7th grade at Lincoln. I am one of those 6th Warders who played many sports with Johnny. I was also fortunate to spend 9 days with him in Oakland in 1975. And, I went to Shippensburg with Cheri. I am praying for your comfort as you celebrate his life and mourn for the loss.

April 22, 2022

John was the most amazing Man i have ever met..I knew him for over 45 years and worked and vacationed with him and Cheri. He helped so many people when they were tossed aside by others, and i witnessed this time and time again. I loved this man and i hope as I to be as much like him as i can be for the rest of my days.  RIP, my good freind. HT

April 22, 2022

Sending all our love to the Green and Hall families. I knew Mr. Green since I was in first grade. He was one of the most vibrant and pleasant people I have ever met. We are deeply saddened to learn of your loss. 

Visitation
Saturday, April 30, 2022
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Saturday, April 30, 2022
12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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