Kenneth Russell Swartzell

Kenneth Russell Swartzell, 66, of Reedsville, peacefully passed away Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Hershey Medical Center surrounded by family.

Born Oct. 16, 1957, in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Darlington and Mildred (Schilling) Swartzell.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by mother-in-law, Jessie O. Houser, guardian, “Mammy” Romig, and sister, Joyce Starr.

Kenneth is survived by:  wife, Angela (Houser) Swartzell; children, Kenneth R. Swartzell Jr. and wife, Kathleen, of Reedsville, Matthew R. Swartzell and wife, Lisa, of Mechanicsburg, and Breanna R.J. Swartzell and fiancé, Hunter Amrhein, of Reedsville; five grandchildren, Kenneth R. Swartzell III, Hope E. Swartzell, Ryan G. Swartzell, Avery M. Swartzell, and Quinn M. Swartzell; siblings, Evelyn Dimeler and husband, Merle, of Del., Ralph Swartzell, of Colo., and Jeanne Minnich, of Camp Hill.

He was a member of Church Hill United Methodist Church (UMC).

He retired from the State Correctional Institution (S.C.I.) at Rockview, as a corrections officer at the rank of Captain and served as Shift Commander.  After retiring, he managed Watson’s Optical in Huntingdon.

Ken enjoyed anything that included the love of his life, Angie, and family where he wore the title of “Pappy.”  Second to that, he thoroughly enjoyed camping and traveling across the country.  Ken had a passion for music, hunting, video games, and time with pet Malteses (Furby & Nyla).

He prioritized quality time with his family.  He had a best-friend type of relationship with his son, Kenny, who he played video games with for a lifetime. He coached grandson Kenneth III through his 22/23 wrestling season all the way to States, supported Hope Emma through MVP performances in soccer, and loved talking with Katie about every sport.

He also shared a passion for motorcycles with his son Matt, with whom he always provided unconditional mentorship and counsel.  He was always in the front row of Ryan’s Ice Hockey games, cheering for Avery at Field Hockey games, playing with Quinn, and sharing his love of ice cream with Lisa.

He always made time for his “little princess” and daughter, Breanna. They enjoyed traveling, concerts, and the occasional drink. He had a story-book ending where he was able to give his daughter’s hand in marriage. He worked until the end, while most recently helping Bre and Hunter with improving their newly purchased home.

His presence amongst the family will always be felt at “Camp Cardinal” in memoriam of special family members.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Avenue, Burnham.

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 10, at Church Hill UMC, 199 Woodland Circle, Reedsville, PA 17084, with Reverend Richard "Rick" Bender officiating.

Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Cemetery Lane, Milroy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kenneth’s memory may be made to the Cancer E.G.F.R. Resisters Foundation, online at https://egfrcancer.org or mailing address: EGFR Resisters, 5608 Caleb Ave., Sacramento, CA 95819.

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