Dennis E. Swogger

Dennis E. Swogger Sr., 74, of Ligonier, PA peacefully went to the other side on December 22, 2023, while surrounded by family.  He was born in Rochester, PA on February 20,1949 to the late Hazel Johnson and Russell Bolen.  He was preceded in death by his mother; father; stepfather, Robert Johnson; sister, Kathy Johnston; brother in-law, Byron “Jr.” Johnston; brother, Kenny Swogger; an infant son; daughter, Denise Swogger Bucknam; son, Roy Swogger; and grandson, Miles Swogger.  He is survived by his ex wife and lifelong friend Charlotte Swogger-Lopes; son, Dennis E. Swogger Jr. (Jill), siblings Mary Day (Eddie), Ethel Wilburn (Randy), Shirley Bowman (William), Teresa Bowman (Roby), Karen Hill (Glen), Steven Bolen (Valerie), sister-in law Anna May Swogger, adoring grandchildren Mason and Jackson Swogger, and Kaylie and Lacey Bucknam, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Denny was a graduate of Hopewell High School in 1967 and grew up in Aliquippa, PA where he met and married his lifelong love, Charlotte.  Before parting ways to remain close friends, they were married for 42 years.  Soon after getting married, he enlisted into the Marine Corps.  He was exceptionally proud of his service as a Vietnam Era Marine from 1968 to 1970, and later as a member of the Ligonier Army National Guard, where he served for 11 years.  He would often be seen wearing hats, jackets, or shirts that illustrated his proud service.  Additionally, he was a member of the Ligonier Masonic Lodge #331, a Life Member of Ligonier VFW 734, and a member of the Ligonier American Legion Post 267.

In the early 1970’s he moved to Ligonier, PA with the promise of a job opportunity.  It turned out that he had to find a job and make his own opportunities.  That combination of circumstances helped him become a jack of all trades and a master of many.  He was a carpenter, plumber, electrician, mechanic, heavy machine operator, stone mason, bee keeper, bus driver, insurance salesman, and small business owner.  Denny was an avid boxing fan who could discuss almost any fight or fighter at great length.  He loved playing Blackjack and bingo, and according to him he always broke even.  He loved fixing up old cars with his dear friends and brothers-in-law Paul Mann and John Novaselec.  Denny was simply a joy to be around.  He was notorious for weaving a tale, and telling jokes.

Denny was fond of raising animals, especially birds.  He was exceptionally proud of his Golden, Silver, and Amherst pheasants.  As much as he enjoyed animals, both wild and domestic, his favorite animal was the human variety.  Many stories can be told of his kindness, helpfulness, and generosity to friends, relatives, and strangers.  He would give anything he had to anyone who needed it, even at times, when he didn’t have it to give.  

Most importantly, Denny was a wonderful father and grandfather.  He loved fishing with his grandsons, spending most of the time baiting hooks and untangling lines.  He cared deeply for his grandchildren, and made it his priority to be a huge part of their lives.   He was a great man, who was a gift to anyone who had the good fortune to know him. 

Friends will be received at McCabe Funeral Home, 144 East Main Street, in Ligonier, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-7:30pm, immediately followed by a military service and ceremony.    

A funeral dinner will be held between 4-6pm at the Ligonier VFW POST #734.

Online condolences may be made to www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com.