Obituary for Gerald "Jerry" Edward Swoyer, Jr.
Gerald Edward “Jerry” Swoyer, Jr., 76, formerly of Bernville passed away March 5, 2021 surrounded by friends and family.
Born in Auburn, PA he was a son of the late Gerald Edward, Sr., and Kathleen (Diefenderfer) Swoyer.
Jerry was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School and made his living in the autobody trade. He was proud to have served as Platoon Leader in the PA National Guard from 1969 to 1977.
Jerry was a fixture in the Swing Dance community where he was known for this signature high tuck turns, his sharp hats and his smiles. He had a talent for bring people together, organizing many dances and encouraging people of all skill levels to “get off the maybe list” and dance.
He was also instrumental in forming a community of Competitive Water Skiers who affectionately call him Pappy. He was as smooth and graceful on the water as he was on the dance floor. He made waterskiing look easy and fun. He encouraged beginners to give it a try and then encouraged you to get better with his signature piece of advice “ski more.”
Jerry was a man of action, always bringing people together, sharing the things he loved, providing encouragement, and spreading joy. He was a tireless hard worker; honest and generous; and above all a good friend.
He is survived by his son, Jay Swoyer, Manchester, PA. his sister, Ann Clark, Beverly, NJ, brother John Swoyer of Greensboro, NC and his faithful-furry-friend Pepper. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son James, his daughter Joy Kosisky, his sister Jane Leibig, and ex-wife Janet S. Irwin.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Auburn, PA he was a son of the late Gerald Edward, Sr., and Kathleen (Diefenderfer) Swoyer.
Jerry was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School and made his living in the autobody trade. He was proud to have served as Platoon Leader in the PA National Guard from 1969 to 1977.
Jerry was a fixture in the Swing Dance community where he was known for this signature high tuck turns, his sharp hats and his smiles. He had a talent for bring people together, organizing many dances and encouraging people of all skill levels to “get off the maybe list” and dance.
He was also instrumental in forming a community of Competitive Water Skiers who affectionately call him Pappy. He was as smooth and graceful on the water as he was on the dance floor. He made waterskiing look easy and fun. He encouraged beginners to give it a try and then encouraged you to get better with his signature piece of advice “ski more.”
Jerry was a man of action, always bringing people together, sharing the things he loved, providing encouragement, and spreading joy. He was a tireless hard worker; honest and generous; and above all a good friend.
He is survived by his son, Jay Swoyer, Manchester, PA. his sister, Ann Clark, Beverly, NJ, brother John Swoyer of Greensboro, NC and his faithful-furry-friend Pepper. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son James, his daughter Joy Kosisky, his sister Jane Leibig, and ex-wife Janet S. Irwin.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.