- Date Of Death: June 22, 2018
- State: Arizona
Harry Semmer Swithers, resident of Flagstaff, Arizona, formerly of Sun City, Arizona, Southern California and Alden, Pennsylvania, passed away on June 22, 2018 at home at the amazing age of 90 years old.
Harry was born to Ruth and Harry Swithers, Sr. The Swithers family owned and operated Sanitary Ice Company. As a young man Harry worked in the business and developed a wonderful work ethic that lasted his entire life. Harry attended Newport High School graduating in 1946. In January 1947 Harry and two friends, Foster Whitebread and George Check, hitchhiked to California to study aerospace engineering.
In 1949 Harry joined the Air Force and was trained in air craft maintenance and rose to the position of Staff Sergeant. He served primarily in the Philippines during the Korean War. In 1952 Harry married his Nanticoke sweetheart, Elizabeth (Betty) Norton, in Los Angeles, Ca. where they lovingly raised two girls and led a rich life until 1984 when they retired to Arizona.
Harry was a mechanical engineer and valued employee and colleague at Hughes Aircraft for 25 years. He was instrumental in development of early space program projects including the SR-71, the F14, the Stealth Bomber and the Amramm Missle.
Towards retirement Harry and Betty enjoyed investing in real estate and refurbishing homes in California and Arizona. Harry’s devotion to family carried-over into his role as a enthusiastic grandparent and great-grandparent.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Harry enjoyed carpentry, and took pride in his home and vehicles providing conscientious maintenance. He was always generous with his time and energy towards his family, friends and church. His daughters were the apple of his eye and his beautiful wife, still his sweetheart, after 66 years of marriage. He found his rewards in doing, rather than seeking accolades and acknowledgement. Harry loved his country and was always a patriot.
Harry will be deeply missed by his wife, Arline Martens (nee Swithers) and her husband Chuck, Gaye Kiel (nee Swithers) and her husband Erik, six grandchildren and their spouses, four great-children and his sister Naomi Gay (nee Swithers) of Levittown, PA and their many friends in Sun City and in Flagstaff, AZ.
