Lester "Stephen" Denlinger
Steve Denlinger will be remembered as a man of love, humor, and joy—one who dedicated years to the well-being of others and his heart to the family he loved so dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
Lester “Stephen” Denlinger of Lancaster, Pennsylvania passed away on January 31, 2026 at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of service and a family he adored. He was born on October 23, 1951 and graduated from McCaskey High School in 1969.
Steve’s truest joy was being surrounded by those he loved. He was a man who believed that family was life’s greatest achievement. Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Anita Denlinger, who stood by his side through every season of life. His legacy continues through his children Heather (Mike) Barton, Megan (Tim) Shifflett, and Chad Denlinger, Esq.
Steve also leaves behind his brother, Randy (Linda) Denlinger, and two nieces, Samantha Schlouch and Ellie Denlinger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Elsie Denlinger, and his sister, Dolores Denlinger.
Nothing brought a smile to Steve’s face quite like the chaos and laughter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether he was sharing a story, inciting silliness, or simply watching them play, those moments were the highlights of his later years. He was the proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren: Cortney Denlinger, Tony Barton, Cody Gainer, Nick Barton, Gage Barton, Henry Shifflett, Tyler Shifflett, and Dylan Shifflett. His joy was further multiplied by his 8 great-grandchildren.
Steve’s professional life was defined by his decades of unwavering commitment to saving lives and advancing the field of pre-hospital care. Over a long and distinguished tenure in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Steve’s influence was felt across the county. He served with distinction in various roles, most notably as a Director, where his strategic vision helped shape local emergency response protocols.
Steve also passionately served as an EMT instructor. He spent decades mentoring the next generation of first responders, instilling in them not just the technical skills required for the job, but the composure and compassion necessary to serve people in their darkest hours. His impact on the Lancaster County EMS community is immeasurable, and Steve continued to take pride in reconnecting with former colleagues and mentees.
Steve Denlinger will be remembered as a man of love, humor, and joy—one who dedicated years to the well-being of others and his heart to the family he loved so dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
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