Robert J. Swift, 66

April 17, 2017

Robert J. Swift, 66, of Ephrata and formerly of Philadelphia, passed away at Hershey Medical Center on Monday, April 17, 2017. He was born in Philadelphia to the late George E., Jr. and Dorothy (Myers) Swift. Bob and his wife Carolyn (McNulty) Swift celebrated 43 years of marriage last June 3rd.

He graduated from South Philadelphia High School where he and Carol met on the bowling team. A carpet layer for 35 years, Bob was a very proud member of Local Union #1823. He served 22 years in the PA National Guard as a light wheel vehicle mechanic with Company E 103rd Engineer Battalion, obtaining the rank of SGT.

Bob loved his family, especially his grandchildren. Four years ago, he and Carol moved to Ephrata so they could be part of their daily lives. He appreciated nature, history and the simple things in life. Bob completed a daily crossword puzzle and enjoyed cooking and gardening.

A master with his hands, he loved the challenge of fixing the old as opposed to buying new. “Take your time; do it once and do it right” is a principle he lived by. He was a great sports fan and he always read the newspaper. Bob loved all music, especially James Taylor, and the string bands heard at the Mummer’s Parade.

In addition to his loving wife Carol, Bob is survived by their two daughters, Racheal S., wife of Brandon Clark of Ephrata and Erica S. Swift, wife of Marc Richards of Philadelphia; two grandchildren, Maura and Gavin Clark, sister Barbara, wife of Richard Marlow of Turnersville, NJ, nephew Richard Marlow, husband of Dawn and son Jakob of Pottstown and his aunt Dot Myers and her family of Franklinville, NJ. His brother Buddy Swift preceded Bob in death.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Prior to service, the family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ephrata Public Library and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania.