Harold Pearson Swanger

LEBANON - Harold Pearson Swanger, 91, of Lebanon, PA, died Friday, September 22, 2023 at Spang Crest, Lebanon. He was the son of the late Harold Joseph Swanger and Ethel Mae (Pearson) Swanger. He graduated in 1950 from Myerstown High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician’s mate to fulfill his dream to “see the world.” All three of his brothers followed in his footsteps and also served in the Navy. He served on three ships: the U.S.S Tarawa, U.S.S. Coral Sea and U.S.S. Antietam. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1958 and pursued a teaching career at Ebenezer Elementary School where he taught fifth grade for over 30 years. In retirement, he attained a lifetime goal of learning to fly and also served over 4000 hours as a volunteer at the Hyman S. Kaplan physical therapy unit.

Harold was an avid reader, well versed in history, specifically military history and visited the Gettysburg Battlefield where he participated in guided tours and seminars. He also submitted and won the naming contest for the Union Canal Elementary School. He made several trans-continental trips with his family. His favorite vacation destination was the Outer Banks, N.C. where the family spent many happy vacations. Survived by his wife, Priscilla (Herr) Swanger, son Andrew J. Swanger and daughter Emily K. Swanger, three brothers, David A. Swanger (Sandra), Jon P. Swanger (Nancy) and George W. Swanger (Suzanne), a niece and several nephews.A private committal service will be held at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Grose Funeral Home Inc., Myerstown was entrusted with the arrangements.Memorial contributions may be made to, The Lebanon Valley Conservancy; Light Memorial Scholarship 770 Cumberland St. Suite A Lebanon, PA 17042 or lebanonvalleyconservancy.org.

www.grosefh.com