Robert Joseph Swift, 66, carpet layer, member of the National Guard, enjoyed all music

Robert J. Swift, 66, Ephrata, and formerly of Philadelphia, passed away at Hershey Medical Center Monday, April 17, 2017.

He was born in Philadelphia to the late George E. Jr. and Dorothy (Myers) Swift. Bob and his wife, Carolyn (McNulty) Swift, celebrated 43 years of marriage June 3, 2016.

He graduated from South Philadelphia High School where he and Carol met on the bowling team. A carpet layer for 35 years, Bob was a very proud member of Local Union No. 1823. He served 22 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a light wheel vehicle mechanic with Company E 103rd Engineer Battalion, obtaining the rank of sergeant.

Bob loved his family, especially his grandchildren. Four years ago, he and Carol moved to Ephrata so they could be part of their daily lives. He appreciated nature, history, and the simple things in life. Bob completed a daily crossword puzzle and enjoyed cooking and gardening.

A master with his hands, he loved the challenge of fixing the old as opposed to buying new. “Take your time; do it once and do it right” is a principle he lived by. He was a great sports fan and he always read the newspaper. Bob loved all music, especially James Taylor, and the string bands heard at the Mummer’s Parade.

In addition to his loving wife, Carol, Bob is survived by their two daughters: Racheal S., wife of Brandon Clark, Ephrata, and Erica S. Swift, wife of Marc Richards, Philadelphia; two grandchildren: Maura and Gavin Clark; a sister: Barbara, wife of Richard Marlow, Turnersville, N.J.; nephew: Richard Marlow, husband of Dawn and son Jakob, of Pottstown; and his aunt: Dot Myers and her family of Franklinville, N.J.

His brother, Buddy Swift, preceded Bob in death.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz. Prior to service, the family will receive friends from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ephrata Public Library and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania.

To place a condolence online, visit SnyderFuneralHome.com Charles Snyder Jr. Funeral Home, Lititz, handled the arrangements.