Donald E. Pyles, Sr.

Donald E. Pyles, Sr., 76, of Dillsburg, PA, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, while residing at Celebration Villa in Carroll Township. He was the son of the late John and Dorothy V. (Negley) Pyles, born in 1949 on St. Patrick’s Day.

Immediately after high school, Don entered the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, during the Vietnam era. Following active duty, he served in the Reserves before entering the private sector. In the early 1980s, Don began working at Model Motors in Camp Hill. Not long after, he married and started a family. When the dealership was acquired by Brenner, Don stayed on, continuing his career in various roles including mechanic, parts specialist, customer transportation attendant, and detailer. He ultimately retired from Brenner Nissan on the Carlisle Pike after 30+ years of dedicated service.

Don was a longtime member of the former Church of the Nazarene in New Cumberland (now Table Life Church), where he found purpose and community. He was always on the move—when he wasn’t working his 9-to-5, he was tinkering with home projects, lending a hand to neighbors or church friends, or spending time in the garage. He had a particular passion for restoring classic Mustangs. Don would help take rusted jalopies, and, within months, transform them into cars that looked like they had just rolled off the showroom floor.

As he grew older, Don took hold of his life in powerful ways. He celebrated more than 45 years of sobriety and found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He faced life’s challenges with quiet strength and grace, always choosing to hold his tongue rather than speak ill of others.

In 2014, Don began his final battle after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease. Even then, he embraced each day, finding meaning and joy in the time he spent with those he loved most.

Surviving Don are his children, Robert E. Pyles, Donald E. Pyles, Jr., Michael P. Pyles (Amber), and Heather E. Petit; numerous grandchildren; a brother, Iras “Ronnie” Pyles; sister, Dorothy A. Pyles; and sister-in-law, Susan J. Pyles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Pyles, Jr.; and stepmother to his children, Evangeline “Angie” Pyles.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30PM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Table Life Church, New Cumberland. Burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, will follow at 2:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Don’s name to: Table Life Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation.