George U. Swogger Sr., Masury, died at 1:20 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, in the intensive care unit of Sharon Regional Health System following a brief illness. He was 85.

Born George Uriah on Jan. 20, 1931, he was the second of 19 children born to Oscar A. and Della A. (Dignall) Swogger on the family farm in Masury.

George attended Brookfield schools, graduating in 1949 .

Mr. Swogger was a veteran of the Korean War, having proudly earned the rank of Army corporal. While in service to his country, he learned many lessons, both on the horrors of war and the preciousness of life – once on the same day. For George, that day was the day he was assigned to an unwelcome stint of guard duty. He grumpily took to his station. While he was gone, his unit was attacked and all were killed.

Upon his return to the States after the war, George married the love of his life, Dorothy Louise "Dot" Over, on Jan. 23, 1954. Together they shared more than 58 years of love and laughter until her death on July 14, 2012. He so missed the love of his life and was looking forward to being with her again in Heaven.

He and his wife were the proud and loving parents of four children: Cindy, Janie, Skip and Tammy.

George was proud to have worked in the automotive business for 60 years. He and his wife opened Swogger Auto Parts in Hermitage in 1973, operating the family-run store for 22 years. He then sold the business in 1993 to Hovis Auto Supply and continued to work there until last month. He greatly enjoyed the relationships and friendships he had built throughout his long career.

George enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of the Brookfield Warriors, Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Cavaliers, Indians and Browns.

He was a member of the American Legion, Post 51, Hubbard, and Brookfield Optimist Club.
George enjoyed bowling and sponsored a team in the Mercer County Automotive Bowling League for many years at Thornton Hall, Sharon.

George was a man of great faith and worshipped, with his family, at First Baptist Church, Sharon, where he was an active member, serving on the Board of Trustees and as a greeter, and where he and his wife were married.

He leaves so many loved ones behind – richer for having known him, but sadder for having lost him. They include his daughters: Rev. Cindy Swogger, Janie Besser and Tammy Swogger, all Masury; four grandchildren: George Theodore "Ted" Swogger, Masury; Rachel H. Swogger, New York, N.Y.; Adrian Lenisa Scutillo, Hubbard; and Thomas Anthony Besser and his wife, Samantha, Girard, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Haylee Carroll and Royal McConahy; his brothers and sisters: Betty Felicetty; Oscar Jr. and Judie Swogger; Bessie and Richard "Wimp" Horvath; Carl "Frannie" and Ada Swogger; Georgianna and John Shingledecker; Rick and Bonnie Swogger; all of Masury; Buster and Mary Swogger, Texas; Shirley Wittenauer, and Jeff and Andrea Swogger, all of Vienna, Ohio; Gary "Butch" and Beverly Swogger, Medina, Ohio; Karen and John Boyer, Hartford, Ohio; Carol "Sue" Mathey, Niles, Ohio; Gail and Jim Longwell, Burghill, Ohio; and Della "Dolly" and Steve DeVito, Brookfield.

George also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends to keep his memory alive in their hearts, as well as his beloved dog and faithful companion, Shadow, who will miss his gentle hand.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife's parents, Sanford and Helen Over; his son, George U. "Skip" Swogger Jr., who died Nov. 23, 1994; two brothers, Art and Howard "Howdy" Swogger; and two sisters, Alice "Toni" Schell and Nancy Benak; and a brother-in-law, Marvin G. Over.

George was a man of great integrity, whose priorities in life were faith, family and a strong work ethic. He was a man for whom the word "family" meant the world and who knew what it was to both be a friend and to have friendships of great worth. With a twinkle in his blue eyes, he lived his days with a cheeful outlook, a laugh that was contagious and a smile that would light up a room. George had a way of giving hugs that left no doubt as to how much you were loved. He, and those hugs, will be dearly missed.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either First Baptist Church or West Hill Ministries, both 301 W. State St., Box 635, Sharon, PA 16146.


Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (11-1-16) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday (11-2-16) in First Baptist Church, 301 W. State St., Sharon, with Rev. John M. Trojak, pastor of the church, and Mr. Swogger's daughter, Rev. Cindy R. Swogger, associate pastor, officiating.

Interment: Brookfield Township Cemetery, with military honors.