Norman Mitchell "Chester" Swartz, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved father, pappy, great pappy, brother and friend, Norman Mitchell “Chester” Swartz, Jr., 86, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025.

Born, January 10, 1939, in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Norman Mitchell Swartz, Sr. and his wife Lottie Mae, nee Willow. Chester was a man who grew up in strong values rooted in hard work, family, and respect. From a young age, he had a quiet determination that carried him through life. He wasn’t loud or boastful, but those who knew him quickly learned that he was sharp, thoughtful, and wise beyond his years. Norman graduated from Biglerville High in 1957 and joined the Army Reserves, completing his tour in 1963. While serving his country, he met his beloved wife Ruth Genevieve “Blondie” Koontz, whom he was married to for 56 years until her passing in November of 2014.

Together, Chester and Blondie had a wonderful life and family. He is survived by all those who will carry forward his strength, humor and heart; especially his children Charles Swartz and his wife Cathy of South Carolina, Diane Keeney and her husband Ronald of Fairfield, PA, Douglas Swartz and his wife Susan of Gettysburg, PA, and Michelle Metz of Emmitsburg; his sister Darlene Koontz of Emmitsburg; his grandchildren Mitchell Keeney and his fiancée Karissa Seivertson, Kimberly Swartz, Timothy Swartz, Kurstin Sanders and her husband Devin, Caitlyn Swartz and his 5 adorable great grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his strength, humor and heart. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Ronald Metz, his sisters Velma Weaver and Rita Oswald, and his brother-in-law Kenneth Koontz.

But most of all spending time with family and being a GGP to his great grandson’s Huntley Eugene and Dutton Gregory Sanders brought him countless hours of fun, much love and overwhelming joy.

Chester’s true calling in life was being with his family and his career as a proud truck driver for many years was very rewarding. Whether rain, snow, or shine, he always delivered – dependable and proud of the miles he logged and the stories he gathered along the way. Chester was a long-time truck driver for most of his career, working for the Gettysburg Foundry in Gettysburg, PA and retiring from trucking while employed by L&H Trucking in Biglerville, PA.

When he wasn’t working Chester was at home enjoying the simple things that brought him joy – a good ballgame, a classic western, and time spent with the people he loved. He was a true sports fan, avidly supporting the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens, or his Washington Capitals, he enjoyed the thrill of the game. Those thrills were especially shown through when watching NASCAR and cheering on #6 Mark Martin to victory.

A lifelong lover of old westerns on TV, where the good guys always stood tall just like he did, no matter from John Wayne to Clint Eastwood, he appreciated the grit, honor, and simplicity of those stories – a reflection of his own values.

When not on the move and not watching his westerns, he enjoyed all music especially country western music.

But what truly defined Chester was his role as a family man. He was the foundation and the heart of his family – a Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather whose intelligence, wisdom, and quiet humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He didn’t speak just to speak – when he had something to say, you listened, because it mattered and if Chester spoke, E.F. Hutton Listened.

He taught by example – how to work hard, love deeply, and live with integrity. His life was rich in lessons, not just in words but in actions. Whether offering advice, fixing something with his hands, or simply sitting and listening, he always made those around him feel seen, heard, and loved.

More than anything, Chester was a family man where his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were a source of great pride in his life. He was a steady presence, a patient listener, and a man whose quiet wisdom made him the anchor of his family. Whether he was sharing road stories, explaining the rules of a game, or relaxing with a western on the screen, or the music playing, he made every moment count.

We will forever remember Chester as a man of the road, a lover of the game, a fan of the old west, and the steady, loving soul at the center of our lives. He may be gone from our sight, but he will never be far from our hearts.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a visitation, Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 210 West Main Street, Emmitsburg (21727) where the funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the Elias Lutheran Church Cemetery, Emmitsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered in Mr. Swartz’s name to the Parkinson Foundations at https://www.parkinson.org.