Donald Swager

Donald Charles Swager, age 92, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Forestview.

He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on May 28, 1924, a son of the late Leon and Esther Hofer Swager.

Don graduated from North Side High School in 1942. After serving his country as an Army corporal during World War II, he returned to Purdue University and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked for the General Electric Company as Manager of Sales for 34 years, retiring in 1983.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, where he served as an Elder, Stephen Minister, usher, and Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of Perry-Keystone Lodge No. 392 F.&A.M. Don loved music, dancing, boating, camping, tennis, woodworking, travel, and dogs (two Mitzies). He had a large group of good friends with whom he enjoyed many social gatherings. He was always the first person out on the dance floor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Carol Stearns Swager, his second wife Donna Mae Case Swager, a brother William L. Swager, and stepson Mark Schauerman.

He is survived by one daughter Karen Swager Tuminello of Erie, two sons: James D. Swager and wife Kathleen Irwin Swager of Chicago, Illinois, and Thomas C. Swager of Cincinnati, Ohio; stepdaughters Gail Sykes of Denver, Colorado, and Joy Harvey (Thomas) of Germantown, Tennessee; daughter-in-law Ellen Schauerman of Fairview; eleven grandchildren: Amanda Swager Pfeiffer, Donald Swager, Blair Swager, Erin Swager, Elizabeth Tuminello, Caroline Tuminello, Joy Sykes Leonard, Matthew Harvey, Lauren Harvey, Christopher Schauerman, and Anne Schwartz; and five great grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff of Forestview for providing tender care and always knowing how to make him smile.

Friends are invited to call upon the family at the Burton Funeral Home, 602 West 10th Street, on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and to attend a service at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 247 West 6th St. on Monday, June 6, at 11 a.m. A private burial will be at Erie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th St., Erie PA 16501, the Purdue Foundation, 403 W. Wood St., West Lafayette IN 47907, the Regional Cancer Center Foundation, 2500 West 12th St. Erie PA 16505, or the charity of one’s choice.