Obituary of Robert N. Swift

Robert N. Swift, 95, formerly of Harbor Creek, PA, passed away Friday October 27, 2017 in his home in Jamestown. He was born February 24, 1922 in North East, PA the son of the late Neal and Mable Gordon Swift. Robert was a veteran of WWII, serving with the 8th US Army Air Corps 458th Bomb Group as a bombardier. On March 6, 1944, his plane was shot down over Holland and he spent the next 14 months as a POW in Stalag 1 in Barth Germany. He was a member of the Caterpillar Parachute Club. After returning from the service, he operated a Grape Farm and Fruit Stand in Harbor Creek for many years, selling his grapes to Welch's. Robert was a member of the Camp Street United Methodist Church in Jamestown and the First Presbyterian Church of Harborcreek, having been a member for the longest time period of anyone.. Other memberships include, the American Legion in North East, PA, and the Harbor Creek Historical Society. Robert had been a licensed airplane pilot, loved playing word games, puzzles, cards, and in earlier years, coached his sons little league baseball teams. At the age of 60, he took up the game of golf, playing some this past summer. His true passion was music. His home was filled with keyboards and organs. He often was found at estate sales searching for old sheet music which he so enjoyed playing. For many years, he played the National Anthem for POW/MIA Day in Erie along with playing for many friends in his home. He and his wife played in a Marimba Band for several years. Flowers were an important part of his life. There were always violets in his home, and many years ago he built a small greenhouse. The greenhouse was packed with plants and many were sold to Arbys and various individuals. Surviving are three children: Dale E. Swift of Sanford, NC; Everett R. (Nancy) Swift of Fredericksburg, VA; Barbara S. Suckow of Jamestown; three grandchildren: Rebecca Swift of Winston Salem, NC; Neal Swift of Crimora,Virginia; Kyle Suckow of Kenmore, NY; a great granddaughter, Emily Swift of Crimora, Virginia; his good friend, Leah Bullock of Jamestown; and his beloved cat, Ben. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Dorothy Shaner Swift who died November 3, 2008; a grandson, Brian Suckow; and a brother LeRoy Swift. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Timothy Phelps, Hospice Chaplain will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday and for one hour prior to the service Tuesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in the North East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of one's choice.