David E. Swanhart, Sr.

David E. Swanhart, Sr., 78, of Ewing, New Jersey, died on October 8, 2021. The world has lost a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his loving wife Penelope (Penny) of 38 years, his adoring children, his son David E. Swanhart, Jr. and his wife, Pixie Swanhart, his daughters, Krista Jones and her husband Bob Jones, Candace Meleg and her husband, Steve Meleg, and his step-son Christopher Longo and his wife, Nicole, his grandchildren David E. Swanhart, III, Raelyn Swanhart, Anthony Jones, Dominic Jones, , Michaela Meleg, Steven J. Meleg IV, Casie and Aaron Crawford, and Rachel and Peter Calisti, Gianna Longo, his sisters, Carolyn Bryant and her husband Curt, Sharon Appleby and her husband Ralph, Shirley Beldin and her husband Ken, Sister-in-laws Marge Swanhart, Carole Swanhart, Vicki Swanhart, Joyce Swanhart, Debra Swanhart and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, E. Gordon and Mildred (Conrad) Swanhart, his brothers, Bill, Tom, Don, Dick, Jim, Bob, John, and Joe, and his sisters Thelma Little and Lois Atkins. He will also be hugely missed by his dog, Missy.
David was born and raised in Chest Springs, Pennsylvania where he attended Cambria Heights High School and was a multi-sport athlete. In 1962, he moved to Trenton, New Jersey, where he raised his son and two daughters. In 1973 he moved to Hamilton, New Jersey, where he met the love of his life, to whom he was married for 38 years.
David was a caring and loving person, who kept his cool in any situation. He was a loving father and grandfather, who always found time to attend all of his grandchildren’s school functions, proms, sports events, and dance competitions so that he could be a part of their special moments. He enjoyed watching movies and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family and friends. He was a gentle giant and a skilled athlete who enjoyed playing football, softball and golf. He played on many teams, including the Legendary Blue Jays softball team and multi-year champion Jo-Jos Tavern of the Central Jersey Flag Football League.
David received his first sports related nickname, The Colonel (kernel), due to his unique sense of humor which is shared by his grandsons. After years of his exploits on the field of play, he was “promoted” to The Commander which he is known by to this day.
A short visitation service will be held at 10:00 am on October 30th, 2021 followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 626 S Olden Ave, Trenton, NJ 08629. All are invited to attend.
Arrangements are under the direction of Blackwell Memorial Home, caring for the family is Karl Horan, Funeral Director. NJ Lic. no. 4019