Russell E. Swigart, Sr.

Russell E. Swigart, Sr., 70, of Hazle Township, passed away early Friday morning, February 28, 2025, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes Barre.

Born in Berwick, July 23, 1954, he was the son of the late Clayton D. Patterson and Marion Swigart and spent his whole life in the same house in Hazle Township.

Russell was a graduate of Hazleton High School, class of 1972.  He was a Forklift Operator for First Quality Non-Woven, Humboldt and was previously employed as a Machine Operator at Genova Products, Humboldt and as a Payroll Processor at People's Bank, Hazleton.  Russell was a member of Faith United Church of Christ, Hazleton. He was also a member of the Greater Hazleton Area Jaycees during the 80's and 90's.  Russell loved riding his motorcycle and quads, going fishing and hunting, and fireworks displays.  He was a huge Harry Potter fan and loved going to the movies.  Russell was quite the jokester and was always up for a good-natured prank, but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his loving wife, the former Betty Jean Frye, who passed away December 12, 2014; a brother, William E. Swigart; and a sister, Margie Heller.

Surviving are two children, Elizabeth M. Williams and her husband Nathan, Hazleton; and Russell E. Swigart Jr. and his wife Pamela, Nescopeck; four grandchildren, Kcie Johns, Nathaniel Jean Thomas Williams, Elliana Williams, and Felicia Westgate; three great-grandchildren, Soul Johns, Mason Bodnar, and Lyla Westgate; and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held with a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 7 PM in Faith United Church of Christ, 21 Faith Dr, Hazleton, PA 18202.  Interment will take place privately at the convenience of his family.  Friends may call at the Church on Saturday evening from 6 PM until the time of the service.  Harman Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Faith United Church of Christ Sunday School Program, 21 Faith Drive Hazleton, PA 18202 or online at www.faithucchazleton.org. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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