Charles W. Swinehart, Sr., 93, died at his home in South Williamsport on Feb. 16, 2013.
He was the eldest son of William H. and Mary E. (Forney) Swinehart. After two years in Williamsport, the family moved to South Williamsport where he resided for the next 91 years.
He attended South Williamsport Schools and then went to work at Sweet's Steel Co. where he worked for the next 26 years. He then worked for Valley Farms in Loyalsock. In 1945 he joined the recently formed First Ward Fire Company where for a number of years he was the Fire Chief. Over the years he became affectionately known as "The Chief."
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Charles W. Swinehart
He was an avid sports fan, not missing a "Mountaineers" football game for many years, and attending Penn State football and basketball games into his 90s.
As a lifetime member of the South Williamsport United Methodist Church until it was disbanded, he was active in church activities, especially in the Boy Scout program.
In 1947, he began building his own house on East Seventh Ave., and moved his family in June 1950 into his home for the rest of his life.
His family is left with the memories of a man who remained close to his parents and siblings, his children, 11 grandchildren, and his 16 great-grandchildren. His neighbors and friends remember that he was always smiling and laughing, and that will be the best memory of all.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Evelyn K. (Neyhart) Swinehart; four sons, Charles Jr. of Columbia, S.C.; Richard J. (Kathy), Stephen R. and Wayne K. (Judi), all of South Williamsport; and his daughter, Anita K. LaForme, of Crestview, Fla. Also Surviving is a brother Earl (Kay) of Hazleton, Pa.; and sisters, Mabel L. (James) Bottorf, of South Williamsport, and Florence J. (Newell (Sam)) Hammond, of Williamsport. He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Charles William Swinehart, Sr. will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Charles M. Noll Funeral Home, 1 E. Central Ave., South Williamsport, PA 17702.
Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Floral tributes in memory of Charles are welcomed by the family. However memorial contributions in memory of Charles W. Swinehart, Sr. can be made, if so desired, to the First Ward Fire Company Memorial Fund, 573 Hasting St., South Williamsport, PA 17702.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Charles M. Noll Funeral Home, 1 E. Central Ave., South Williamsport, PA 17702 www.charlesmnollfuneralhome.com
