Donald Swartz

Donald C. Swartz, age 89, of Erie, died peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2015. He was surrounded by love.

He was born on April 24, 1926, to the late Frank and Emma Swartz.

Donald was a graduate of Tech High School. He attended Gannon University and proudly served in the United States Navy Air Corps from 1944 to 1946. During his tour of duty in the Philippines, he held the position of forward gunner on a patrol bomber seaplane PBM-5 Mariner.

He was a member of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church and was employed at A&P and also Specialty Steaks.

Donald’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He particularly enjoyed gathering at holidays when everyone could be together. He was an avid golfer. Notably, he was a member of Pinehurst Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Among his athletic accomplishments, he shot a “hole in one” in 1993 at Lakeview Country Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as watching his favorite sports teams, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Swartz and his wife Gladys, a sister in law, Bettie Rectenwald and her husband Francis and a brother- in- law, Jack Miller.

Donald is survived by Barbara Williams Swartz, his loving wife of 67 years; his children, Susanne Bonaquist (Thomas), Patricia Orlando (Joseph), and Laurel Swartz Sonnenberg (Stephen); grandchildren, Lesa Orlando Lewandowski (Eric), Joseph J. Orlando, III (Emily), Donald C. Orlando (Laura), Casey Bonaquist Poussou (Stephane), and Brandon Bonaquist; and his great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Joseph IV, Ava, Elle, Grace, Alek, Quinn, and Audrey. He is also survived by his sister- in- law, Ann Miller and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow in Erie Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, 2816 Elmwood Ave, Erie, PA 16508, Soldiers and Sailor’s Activities Department, 560 East 3rd Street, Erie, PA 16507 or to the Veterans Hospice Care, 135 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504.