John Joseph Lightizer

John Joseph Lightizer, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 3, 2025, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on December 6, 1955, he was the son of the late James A. and Catherine G. (Morelli) Lightizer. John, known to many as "Lighty", was raised in Norwood where he attended St. Catherine’s School. As a young boy, Lighty became involved in athletics, developing a passion for sports that would last his entire life. When he wasn't playing on the field, Lighty was helping out at the family business. He regularly worked the counter and made the doughnuts at Dip 'N' Sip Donuts, his father's shop, in Norwood Center.

After his graduation from Norwood High School with the class of 1973, Lighty continued to help with the family business and later took a sales position with Metropolitan Insurance in Norwood. Lighty was an entrepreneur and eventually went into business for himself. He owned a variety of businesses over the years including The Can Connection in Walpole, Lighty’s Liquors in Norwood, and as a partner at the Red Rooster in Wrentham (2010-2015). More recently, he enjoyed tending bar at Workman’s Hall in Norwood and driving family &friends frequently to the airport.

In his free time, Lighty dedicated himself to sharing his love for sports with the community. He coached for the Norwood Babe Ruth League for forty years, teaching multiple generations of athletes how to play America’s favorite passtime game.

Lighty started in Babe Ruth League assisting coaching the White Sox in 1976. Three years later in 1979 he became the manager of the White Sox. He was manager of the White Sox till the end. 2025 was going to be his 49th consecutive year in Babe Ruth.

The White Sox won many town championships. During the 2010s they won the championships 5 years in row and 6 of 7. No team before or after has come close to doing this. He never coached or played in a game where he didn’t expect to win.

During the late ‘70s into the ‘80s and ‘90s Lighty would coach the 14 year old all stars during the Summer. Kids loved playing on his teams.

Finishing as one of the top 3 teams in the league meant you got to coach an all star. Lighty enjoyed taking Norwood teams into other towns and winning. His teams won several Eastern Mass championships which meant playing in the New England tournament.

Many of Lighty’s former players came back to coach with him. This was a source of pride for him. He was loyal to his players and they were loyal to him.

In addition to coaching, Lighty also served as President for the league for more the last twenty years, ensuring that rosters were made, umpires scheduled, and teams had sponsors.

Lighty played softball for many years as a 1st baseman. He was the only 1st baseman who could do a split when stretching for throws. He was also the president of the Sunday night Norwood Softball League for many years.

For a number of years he was the coach of the softball team at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood

To relax, Lighty enjoyed golfing with his friends. He also liked to travel, and his destinations often included new golf courses. One favorite place to visit was Ireland, which he visited multiple times. If Lighty wasn’t playing or coaching, he could be found watching sports, cheering on the local New England Teams.

Lighty was a charming, social, and charismatic man, who lived life to the fullest, as if there was no tomorrow. He was generous to a fault, giving back to his community and always taking care of his family and friends. It was always a good time getting together with Lighty, enjoying a beer and a good laugh.

At family events, his niece and nephews would react with glee upon his arrival calling out “Uncle John is here”. They would run to the door to greet him knowing he would be full of life and bringing the biggest gifts he could find.

Loving brother of Margaret M. "Peggi" Burkholder and her late husband Thomas of Bellingham, Robert J. Lightizer and his wife Marge of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Janet A. Lightizer and her late husband Jack Heslin of Walpole, and Barbara F. Lightizer of Walpole, the late Thomas D. Lightizer and his “Scottish Siblings” Margaret Campbell of Marshfield and Alex Campbell of Foxborough

Cherished uncle of Lisa A. Thompson and her husband Jeremy of Englewood, Florida, Thomas Burkholder and his wife Christina of Franklin, David Burkholder and his wife Kelly, Daniel Burkholder and his fiancée Amanda Baisley of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, James Lightizer and his wife Heather of Rochester, New Hampshire, Scott Jeffco and his wife Wendy of Stratham, New Hampshire, Heather Lavotha and her husband Sebastian of Stratham, New Hampshire, Brendan Heslin and his wife Natalie of Plymouth, and John Heslin of Plymouth. Great uncle to sixteen nieces and nephews.

Also survived by many extended relatives and close friends who became family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 7th, 2025, in Saint Catherine's Church, 549 Washington Street, Norwood, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to Norwood Babe Ruth League, P.O. Box 33, Norwood, MA 02062