- Date Of Birth: May 4, 1926
- Date Of Death: April 4, 2022
- State: Florida
Sergeant Major Edward F. Swisher, was born May 4, 1926 in Altoona, PA to Edward Swisher and Sofie (Larsen) Swisher, and was a long term resident of both Dale City, Virginia and Ocala, Florida. While his long military career had him travel to many places, these are the ones he called home.
Sergeant Major Swisher had a long and fulfilling life, but on April 4, 2022 he left his physical form while surrounded by family to be together again with his beloved wife Hilda J. Swisher in Heaven.
SGM Swisher preceded in death by his loving wife Hilda J Swisher: is survived by: his Daughter Debora Brown, Sister Anna Kimmel. Grandchildren: Tim Groves, William Patton Jr, Teresa Coffey, Olen Brown. Great Grandchildren Sean Groves, Jamie Groves, Nicholas Sandidge, Hayleigh Patterson-Patton, Hanna Patterson-Patton, Ryliegh Patterson-Patton, Gabby Patterson-Patton, Aubrey Patton, Dallas Coffey, Sofie Patterson-Patton, Rachel Coffey, Jayson Groves, Asher Brown, Great Great Grandchild Alexander Groves. Nieces and Nephews: Janet McLaughlin, Jeannie Maragonelli, Tommy Kimmel, and Danny Kimmel.
He served in the US Army for 27 years with tours in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam with a variety of duty stations to include the Pentagon. He was a highly decorated soldier that was proud of his time serving his country. He was very humble and didn’t talk much about his many accolades he received throughout his career, even though he did receive many admirable awards from the Army.
During one of his tours to Germany during World War II, he met his wife Hilda J. (Hammes) Swisher, where they fell in love. She moved to the US in July of 1947 and they were married August 11, 1947 in Altoona, PA. They moved to Ocala, FL in June of 1988.
After retiring from the Army, SGM found his new adventure with the Potomac News in Woodbridge, VA. He worked his way to the Advertising Director position where he became very proud of his accomplishments.
SGM Swisher would tell stories for hours about the good times of the olden days. He liked his jokes and pranks also, he always kept you on your toes. He was such a great story teller he would keep you engaged on the edge of your seat waiting to hear what was next.
Every morning you could find SGM Swisher sitting down enjoying a cup of coffee with his paper, reading it page by page.
In his younger years (1940-1944) he attended Altoona Catholic High School now known as Bishop Guilfoyle. In 2017 they did an Alumni write up on him:
