Eugene H. Brightbill

Eugene Henry Brightbill, 90, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024. Born in Myerstown, he was the son of the late Irwin S. and Hannah (Balsbach) Brightbill. He was the loving husband of Mary Liddle for 4 years.

Gene worked at Safeway, Giant, Fox, and Karns grocery stores through his career. He even briefly owned his own, Brightbill Family Food Mart. Gene enjoyed taking long car rides, visiting antique and thrift stores, and visiting the beach and mountains. He especially enjoyed going to Cape May to watch flag folding ceremonies. He was a proud Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War. Above all, Gene was a family man, always spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although he didn’t have much money, he was incredibly rich in love from his family.

In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by his six children, Barry Brightbill (Denise), Gary Brightbill (Joyce), Terry Brightbill, Cindy Bastardi (Jeff), Sherry Arsenault (Robert), and Lisa Marshall; 27 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild on the way; and a sister, Arlene Leonard. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Michelle Brightbill; a great-grandson, Cody Brightbill; three brothers, Raymond Brightbill, Harold Brightbill, and Guy Brightbill; two sisters, Ardella Miller and Jeannette Brightbill; a son-in-law, Peter Marshall; a daughter-in-law, Susan Brightbill, and wife, Ida Mae (Whetsel) Brightbill.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 9AM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. Family and friends are invited to view on Tuesday, December 17 from 4-6PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at www.Cancer.org or to the American Heart Association at www.Heart.org