Donald L. Sweger Sr.

Donald Leslie Sweger, born February 10, 1937, passed away on March 19, 2026, at Premiere Perry Village Nursing Home in New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Landisburg, PA, Donald was the second youngest child of Russell Sweger, Sr. and Mary E. (Saylor) Sweger, and the last of his siblings to pass. He is survived by his children: Anita L. Elder of Seattle, WA; Donald L. Sweger, Jr. of New Bloomfield, PA; Michael T. Sweger of Barboursville, VA; and William Diamond Sweger of Palmyra, PA; as well as seven grandchildren and nine great‑grandchildren. Although Donald completed only an eighth‑grade education, he possessed remarkable skill and resourcefulness. He worked confidently with his hands—repairing automobiles, wiring and plumbing homes, and maintaining complex machinery in aluminum manufacturing plants. In the early years of raising his family, he also ran a small farm with crops, pigs, chickens, a cow, and geese. As a young man, Don—often called Donnie or Swig—was strong as a bull. He was known for wrestling men twice his size and pinning them with ease. His strength and protectiveness showed in other ways too: once, when he caught a peeping Tom looking through the bathroom window, he confronted the man and subdued him so thoroughly that the sheriff was astonished when he arrived. Despite his toughness, Donnie also had a playful side. He was a good sport who let his family dress him up in silly costumes, laughing along with the fun. Even in difficult times, Donald ensured his family had food on the table and clothes for school. He was an avid hunter who often brought home venison and other game to help feed his household. Family vacations were spent at lakes and mountain cabins across Pennsylvania, creating memories his children still cherish. Work History ● 1955–1957 Knouse Foods, unloading boxes of Lucky Leaf canned products. ● 1957–1991 — Mechanicsburg, PA Capitol Products, beginning in Remelt and later becoming the company’s top maintenance technician, responsible for keeping the plant’s machinery running. ● 1991-until retirement Pennex – Maintenance technician In his later years, Donald lived independently in Dover, PA, where he tended a vegetable garden and became known among neighbors for his homemade sauerkraut—always eager to share jars with friends. He took pride in helping others and enjoyed the simple satisfaction of doing things with his own hands. A memorial gathering near his gravesite will be held at a future date. His headstone is shared with his wife, Katie, at the cemetery located at Big Rock Drive, in Dover, PA. Memorial donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association in Don's name. https://tour.diabetes.org/participants/SeaAnita The Boyer Family is honored to handle the arrangements for the the Sweger Family.

Donald L. Sweger Sr.

February 10, 1937 - March 19, 2026