Robert Elmer Swackhammer

Mr. Robert E. Swackhammer Sr., age 97, of Lost Lake Acres, Laporte, PA passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the Highlands Care Center in Laporte, PA.             Bob was born in Sayre, PA on January 31, 1920, a son of the late Elmer Horace Swackhammer and Jennie Jane Reese Swackhammer.  He grew up in Sayre, his father passed away when he was three years old and at age 16 Bob began working at the Bolich hardware store in Sayre to be able to help his mother with the rent.  He later began working at the Lehigh Valley Railroad/Conrail.  He started as a fireman and worked his way up to engineer.  He worked at the Sayre yards over 40 years, retiring on May 28, 1982.  He worked on the western end of the Lehigh Valley but made three or four trips through Sullivan County to the coal mines in Bernice before the Dushore railroad trestle was eliminated.  He spent most of his time on runs from Sayre to Buffalo, NY and on the Erie to Buffalo lines.             He married Mary Ann Brhel Swackhammer on October 13, 1968 in Endicott, NY.  Mary Ann who was born in Prague, Checkloslavakia, was a loving spouse and enjoyed living at Lost Lake and feeding the deer and bear each day.  She predeceased him on July 6, 2007.   Surviving:   Two sons: Robert E Swackhammer Jr.                               Sayre, PA Richard Swackhammer                                      Sayre, PA   Two daughters and sons-in-law: Donna & Bill Limerick                                      Sayre, PA Bernice & Wilbert Reed                                    Sayre, PA   Seven grandchildren: Cynthia (John) Thomson, Michelle Bennett, Bridget Swackhammer, Amy Swackhammer and Vanessa Reed, Patricia Fox, Randy Swackhammer:   Eight great grandchildren:  Adam and Emily Bennett, Amanda Merrill Whyte, Brooke Rosh and Faith Swackhammer, Braxton Swackhammer, Cody Swackhammer, and Emerson Reed.   A Great-great granddaughter, Vivian Marshall.   Several other nieces and nephews and Muffin and Little One.   Bob was predeceased by a grandson, Michael Swackhammer and daughters-in-law: Janet Swackhammer, on March 11, 2011 and Donna Swackhammer on March 19, 2014; and a grandson-in-law:  James Fox.             A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 2:30 P.M. at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Sonestown, PA the with the Rev. Ronald L. Dyer, officiating             Memorial may be sent to the Bradford County Humane Society, PO 179, Ulster, PA 18850.             Funeral Services are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA               To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to homerfuneralhome.com.       To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Elmer Swackhammer, please visit our flower store.