Jay Lello

Jay Lello, 31, formerly of Carlisle, peacefully passed away on April 11th, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian, after a long courageous battle from surgical complications he sustained in November. He was surrounded by his family, held in love until the very end.

Jay came into this world fighting. Born prematurely in Harrisburg, weighing just one pound, he defied the odds from his very first breath. That fighting spirit never left him. Throughout his life, Jay fought to recuperate from several surgeries, to live authentically as himself, to show up fiercely for the people he loved, and to leave every corner of his world a little kinder and gentler than he found it.

After graduating from Penn State with a BA in Psychology, Jay made his way to Pittsburgh where he built a life rich with chosen family and community. At the time of his death Jay was pursuing his master’s degree in law with a concentration in health care compliance. He loved reading, music, sports, (especially basketball), theater, and crime documentaries. He had a particular, delightful fondness for giraffes, those gentle giants who, like Jay, managed to stand tall in their own way and see the world from a perspective all their own.

Jay had a rare gift. He was the kind of person who went out of his way to make those around him feel seen, loved, and valued. He had many friends who regularly visited him during his 4.5 month hospitalization, to the amazement of the hospital staff. His absence leaves a profound silence in the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him.

Jay was predeceased by fraternal grandparents Clem and Regina Lello and maternal grandparents James and Lorraine Murphy. He is survived by parents, Nick and Diane (Murphy); twin brother Chris; sister Megan Fox, her husband Tim and their daughter, beloved niece Sadie; brother Nicholas and his wife Sarah; and his cherished cat, Biscuit. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jay was a research coordinator employed by LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities), a program of Children’s Hospital of UPMC. As part of his legacy, LEND-Pitt will be honoring Jay’s commitment to advocacy by naming their annual State-Your-Case keynote address the Jay Lello Advocacy Lecture.

His family wants to give special thanks to the exceptional staff at UPMC Pittsburgh CTICU for treating Jay with such dedication, kindness, and compassion. Jay always felt cared for and safe, which was truly a blessing.

There will be a Celebration of Jay’s Life on May 30th, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Stern Hall, Dickinson College, Carlisle. All are welcome to attend. RSVP to family is encouraged but not necessary. Another Celebration of Jay’s Life will be held in Pittsburgh in June; details are forthcoming. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoffman Funeral and Cremation, 2020 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Memorial donations may be made to ardsalliance.org or thetrevorproject.org or a charity of your choice.