Paul L Swartz

Surrounded by his loving family, Paul L. Swartz, of Woodward, passed away at Geisinger Medical Center on Saturday, June 7, 2025.  He was 76.  Born July 20, 1948, in Bellefonte, Paul was a son of the late Kenneth E. and Esther M. (Waite) Swartz.  He grew up in Wolfe’s Store and was a 1966 graduate of Penns Valley Area High School.  On February 9, 1974, he married the former Deborah Orndorf who survives.

Paul was employed at the Office of Physical Plant at Penn State University, retiring in 2008 with 34 years of service.  He was a 45-year member of the Woodward POS of A where he has also served as president and helped with the Woodward Festival and Dutch Fall Festival.  Paul enjoyed collecting Penn State memorabilia, especially the football button that banks gave out.  Part of his duties at the OPP included helping vendors unload equipment at Ag Progress Days which he loved to do because they would give him hats, so his collection of them was extensive. In his spare time, Paul enjoyed word search puzzles, listening to music, mowing his yard and blowing leaves in the fall.  He especially enjoyed giving his canine buddy, “Joy” rides on the tractor.

In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his daughter Fonda Johnson (Emil) of Woodward: two brothers, Richard D. Swartz (Gladys) of Aaronsburg and James E. Swartz (Rose) of Rebersburg: his sister-in-law Pearl Swartz of Rebersburg and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Susan C. Bair and his brother, David E. Swartz.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 1-3 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in Woodward where the Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Tom Palmer officiating.  Paul will be laid to rest in Woodward Union Cemetery.  Contributions in his memory may be given to Woodward Cemetery Association, POB 134, Woodward. PA 16882.

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