Harold Glenn ("Hal") Swartley (1928-2022)
A man loved by all who knew him, Harold G. ("Hal") Swartley, 94, of Casper, Wyoming, and Perkasie, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Hal was born to Howard and Marion Swartley, who ably taught Hal the importance of hard work, gratitude and service to others. He graduated from Sell-Perk High School in 1946. He then attended Muhlenberg College, during which time he pursued his "first love" of baseball. His immense talent led to recruitment by a major league team, but Hal decided to pursue his "true love" of family instead. Hal married the late Jeanette Horn, with whom he raised his cherished daughters, Cheryl and Sherri. Hal later graduated from Lehigh University with his Masters Degree in Education. His education was briefly but proudly interrupted by service in the U.S. Army from 1952-54.
Following the passing of Jeanette, Hal was blessed to meet and fall in love with his dear Martha Ann. They were married in 1977. Together, they traveled the world. Hal helped raise Martha's son, Todd, as if Todd were his own. Over the course of more than 45 years, Hal and Martha never stopped loving, laughing with, and comforting each other.
Hal was a middle school guidance counselor and accomplished coach until his retirement in 1989. He dedicated his professional career to mentoring and challenging his students and players. A quietly fierce competitor, Hal believed in letting his play "do the talking." He coached football, basketball, and softball over the course of his decades of service in the Pennridge School District. His formidable accomplishments led to his induction in the Pennridge-Quakertown Sports Hall of Fame. His warm smile and quick wit made him fast friends everywhere he went.
Hal is survived by his wife Martha, daughter Cheryl, son Todd, son-in-law Bill, grandchildren Jenell, Billy, Jackie, Grayson and Scarlett, forever-daughters Nichole and Elaine, and six beautiful great-grandchildren. Hal was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherri, and many other dear friends and family members.
Hal passed peacefully, gracefully, and lovingly, with Martha, Cheryl, Jenell, and Bill by his side.
A celebration of Hal's life will be held October 1, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 3030 South Poplar Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Bethel Baptist Church or Central Wyoming Hospice.