Gerald S Sward

Gerald S. “Jerry” Sward, Jr., 76, of Topton, died peacefully on Thursday, August 11, 2016, in his residence surrounded by his family. He was the widower of Lynda R. (Delancey) Sward, who died November 15, 2001. He was the companion of Nellie Lamb, with whom he resided for 13 years.

Born in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Gerald S., Sr., and Hazel P. (Wetherson) Sward. Gerald honorably and faithfully served our country in the U.S. Army; and was a graduate of Wilkinsburg High School, Allegheny Co. Jerry was employed by East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., Lyon Station, for over 33 years, the last 17 years as a Supervisor in the A-1 Building, until his retirement in 1999.

In addition to his companion, Nellie, Gerald is survived by Sons, Steven, husband of Kaye E. (Rhoads) Sward, Mertztown, Gerald P., husband of Melain (Folk) Sward, Daniel J., husband of Marty (Walbert) Sward, both of Topton, and John W., husband of Kim (Cronrath) Sward, Kutztown; Daughter of Nellie, Amber Lamb, Findlay, OH; Sisters, Esther E. (Sward) Jones, Greensburg, Westmoreland Co.; and Sandra L. (Sward) wife of Al Kennedy, Jefferson Hills, Allegheny Co.  There are also 8 Grandchildren, Tasha, Christopher, Steven, Casey, Emily, Sarah, Donald and Stacy; one Great-Granddaughter, Callie; and Nellie's Grandchildren, RaeLynn, Paige and Autumn. In addition to his Wife and Parents, Gerald was predeceased by a Son, Joseph D. Sward, who died December 5, 2008.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 10:30 AM in Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 25 East Weis Street, Topton, with Reverend Arthur L. Hahn, officiating. Interment will follow in Topton Union Cemetery, Topton. Relatives and friends may call on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Jerry's memory to the American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Avenue, Reading, Pennsylvania 19605 or online at www.cancer.org/donate . Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Topton, PA.