John B. Layne

John. B. Layne, 77, of Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Born March 4, 1945, in Washington, DC to the late Claris H. and Eleanor C. (Dixon) Layne, he is survived by his wife, Jean A. (Brininger) Layne and a son, Craig A. and wife, Amanda (Estok) Layne of Mechanicsburg. Also surviving are his sisters, Virginia Layne of Glen Allen, VA, Shirley Wall of Lancaster, PA and Carol Sweigard of Mechanicsburg, PA. 

John was an explorer of many things, both as vocations and as hobbies. He worked as an announcer for WITF radio for 26 years as the weekend local host of classical music and news programs. Previously, he taught sixth grade in the West Shore School District and in the gifted program with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. He also worked briefly as an adjunct professor at Shippensburg University and Elizabethtown College.

John loved music and played trumpet, cornet, and French horn. He was a member of the Carlisle Town Band and Carlisle Brass Band. He was a former member of the Singer Band of Mechanicsburg and the Sounds of Brass quintet. John was a founding member of the Baptones gospel quartet, based at the West Shore Baptist Church in Camp Hill.

For many years, John enjoyed bicycling with the Harrisburg Bicycle Club. He was an avid home cook, a talented amateur photographer, a builder of custom computers and model railroads and an all-around garage tinkerer.

John graduated from Cumberland Valley High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College and a master’s degree from Shippensburg University. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-70.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 3:00 PM with the Rev. John Ward-Diorio officiating. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium followed by a time of sharing and refreshments. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to John’s church, the Carlisle Town Band, 35 E. South St. Carlisle, PA 17013, and the Mechanicsburg Museum Assoc., 2 W. Strawberry Alley, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Arrangements are being handled by the Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory. Visit www.hollingerfuneralhome.com for condolences to the family.