Howard “Kip” Keith Swineford, age 62, of Airport Rd., in Punxsutawney, PA, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017, at the Punxsutawney Hospital.
Kip was born on January 15, 1955, to the late Harry W. and Phyllis E. (Wyant) Swineford, in Punxsutawney, PA.
He attended school in Brookville and he graduated from Jeff Tech, skilled in their machine shop, with the class of 1973.
On May 10, 1980, he married Teresa A. (Reitz) Swineford, in the Shannondale Lutheran Church; Teresa survives him.
Immediately out of school he began working for Owens Illinois in Brookville, PA.
He stayed with them as they transitioned into Rexam. Eventually, he left Rexam and began working for Lowmaster & Warden Appliances in Punxsutawney. Just this last January he put in for his retirement.
He currently was a member of the Chestnut Grove Independent Church in Punxsutawney, PA, and he was a former member of the Shannondale Grange.
Kip liked to keep things simple, but there are many things that he enjoyed. He had a habit of starting remodeling projects on his home, and the sense of doing and completing the work felt good to him. He grew up on a dairy farm so hard work and dedication was ingrained in him from a young age.
He also enjoyed working on smaller projects as well such as building bird houses, shelves, lamps, and other little carpentry adventures; all around he was a good handyman.
Kip also enjoyed the outdoors. He would go on four-wheeler rides with his son, and do some light produce gardening, like growing strawberries.
He liked to golf and with his wife, he traveled to Myrtle Beach to attend golf school where they learned tips and techniques from professionals. In their younger years, Kip and Teresa were part of the Sunday Night Mixed Couples Bowling League.
Kip liked classic cars and trucks and at one point he owned a rare 1969 1/2 Plymouth Roadrunner. He also liked his tractors, one of which, the Massey Ferguson, he restored with his son by his side. He also loved his John Deere.
Kip would mow and move snow for the whole neighborhood.
Sunday night football was a highlight of his week and of course the Steelers were his team of choice.
Kip had a special way of showing love for his family, and it was by providing well and making sure their needs were always met. Kip was well liked and will be missed by many.
In addition to his wife Teresa, Kip is survived by 1 son; Nathan (Tracy) Swineford; 2 sisters; Harriet Kerr, Dianne (Howard) Pifer; 1 brother; Tom (Debbie) Swineford; 2 brothers-in-law; Bill McAninch, Steve L. Reitz; and his mother-in-law; Bertha Reitz.
In addition to his parents, Kip is preceded in death by 1 sister; Margie McAninch; 1 brother-in-law; Ted Kerr; his father-in-law; Lee Reitz; and his daughter Sarah Ann Swineford, when she was four years old.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 10, 2017, from 6 – 8pm, at the McKinney – d’Argy Funeral Home, ltd, 345 Main St., Brookville, PA, 15825.
A second day of viewing will take place on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 2 – 4pm and 6 – 8pm, also at the funeral home.
A funeral service will take place on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at the Chestnut Grove Independent Church, 342 Lipp Rd., Punxsutawney PA, 15767, beginning at 1:00pm, and officiated by Pastor Joe Spack.
Interment will take place at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Knox, Twp., Jefferson Co., PA.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Center for Organ Recovery, 204 Sigma Dr., Pittsburgh PA, 15238.
Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
