John A. Hitz, 70, of Elizabethtown, PA, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his mountain retreat in Huntington County on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Born in Conewago Twp., Dauphin County, he was the son of the late Elmer E. and Emma Landis Hitz.

John was a believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ. He attended Dauphin County Technical School and was a 1973 graduate of Lower Dauphin High School. Known as “Tink” by his coworkers for his love of tinkering, John joined his brothers as an employee of Hershey Foods, where he worked as a millwright for more than 45 years before retiring in December 2025. He was also a member of Chocolate Workers Local Union #464. John was also a member of Dela-Ches Fishing Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation. The NWTF could rely on John to attend their annual turkey dinners at Campbelltown Fire Hall.

John found great joy being outdoors in God’s creation. Each year he looked forward to hunting and fishing season. In recent years, he especially enjoyed getting away to his mountain home. He was a loving father and grandfather who cherished time with his family and the fishing trips they shared together. Whenever someone had a house project, John was eager to lend a helping hand, generously offering both his time and his handyman talents.

Surviving are his three children, Lauren A., wife of Jack Ziegert, parents of Chase and Micah, of Middletown, Lance M., husband of Jessica (Zell) Hitz, parents of Paislee and Cheyenne, of Elizabethtown, and Logan K., husband of Gabriella (Spero) Hitz, parents of Caleb, Titus, and Jonah, of Harrisburg; his former wife, Doreen (Miller) Hitz of Elizabethtown; and four siblings, Elvin E., husband of Donna Hitz, Galen D. (late Linda) Hitz, Jacob L., husband of Nancy Hitz, and Ann M. Hitz, all of Elizabethtown. He was also preceded in death by a sister Katharine J. Hitz.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Bright Hope Fellowship, 345 North Deodate Road, Middletown, PA 17057. There will be no public viewing. The family will receive guests at the church on Friday afternoon from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Private interment will be in Shenk’s Community Cemetery, Elizabethtown. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.