Frederick Tucker Witmer

Frederick T. Witmer, 71, of Etters, passed away on March 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on May 1, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Jean (Tucker) Witmer and Richard Witmer.

A 1972 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School, Fred earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University in 1976. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi honor societies. He began his career at RR Donnelley & Sons Company that same year, where he spent nearly five decades applying his skills in hands-on mechanical work, project design, equipment installation, and rebuilding. He earned his Professional Engineering license and served as a Project Engineer, overseeing major installations until the company closed in 2024. Fred also volunteered regularly with York Habitat for Humanity and quietly supported many charitable causes.

Fred married Dona Flickinger on November 26, 1977, after meeting in college. Together they raised seven children in southern Lancaster County until her passing in 2021. A devoted and active father, he loved and supported his children unconditionally. After losing Dona, he moved to Etters to be closer to family. He took special pleasure in home-cooked meals, especially crockpot roast beef or steak, and found deep joy in gathering around the table with those he loved.

From childhood, when he could first hold a wrench, Fred was driven by a desire to understand how things worked. He built and raced go-karts, constructed a Corvair-based dune buggy that outperformed Volkswagen models, and rebuilt several Jeeps over the years. He enjoyed cruising in his little red sports car, attending car shows, and spending countless hours at the Spring and Fall Carlisle events searching for parts. An active member of New Covenant Fellowship Church in Mechanicsburg, Fred lived a life of quiet service, always ready to fix, build, design, or lend a hand to family, friends, or anyone in need. He will be remembered for buzzing through town in his sports car and for his favorite peaceful moments spent sitting by a campfire or woodstove, smiling beneath his distinctive mustache as he listened to his children and grandchildren.

Fred is survived by his children Jared Witmer (Jill), Noelle (Witmer) Studer (Scott), Adonica Witmer (Aaron), Brendan Witmer (Adriel), Heidi Witmer (Chandler), Gabriel Witmer (Kim), and Roanna Witmer (Mike); sixteen grandchildren; and his brothers, Seth Witmer and Tom Witmer (Jan). He was preceded in death by his wife, Dona (Flickinger) Witmer, and his parents.