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John Swisher Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Swisher
Sponsored by Tobias Funeral Home - Belmont Chapel.
Rhonda Walsh-Curp
July 8, 2017
Me Swisher was my history teacher at MHS! Far and away one of my most favorite teachers. He used to pass around legal paper size handwritten (printed) study sheets and if you could answer the questions you passed the tests! He was awesome! He was always kind, had a little sarcastic humor but loved by his students. You will be missed 'Swish...you made a difference in many of our lives....may you Rest In Peace. Love to his family and friends.
Alan Preston
May 28, 2017
I just found out about this. I was a student of his in MHS history class. I learned allot in class and he expected it. I wish all teachers were like him because that meant that he cared.I have thought of him over the years and wondered how and where he was. What a wonderful guy. I remember him saying one day, "I ate pizza today and no running, bad combination ". Sometimes you go through life wondering if you made an impact on people. I stand as one Mr. Swisher. Much respect and God's speed.
Linda Swisher
May 27, 2017
I always felt like I was the luckiest woman in the world because I not only had the best brother-in-law in the world but also the best brother. I never had a brother, but if I had, I would have wanted him to be exactly like John. And when he and Merrily married and had a beautiful family of their own, they continued to show a loving family closeness to our family that evades so many extended families. John was strong, sensitive,loyal,humorous,loving,giving, a nurturer, a wonderful listener, a family man and an all around honest,good man. He raised his family as a living example of those virtues every day and I feel so privileged to have known and loved him for all of those years. He impacted all of the lives he touched and we were better as a result of his influence in our lives. My prayers and thoughts are with Merrily and the family. Thank you for sharing him so generously with so many friends and family and for being his rock throughout the years. Rest in Peace my dear brother. You will always be missed.
Aaron and Stephanie Johnson
May 21, 2017
We remember John from playing bball at Tipp on Satursay mornings years ago and from his huge smile and laid back manner in the classroom. Much love to his family and prayers lifted for a sweet man!!! - Aaron and Stephanie Johnson
Nathan Schwartz
May 21, 2017
My most sincere condolences to Mr. Swisher's family and friends. He was my history teacher at Meadowdale and one of the most influential people in my life because of it. He inspired in me a love of history, including dates the dates of important events (he was big on dates), that has lasted a lifetime for me. And frankly, during that lifetime there have not been significant stretches of time that I haven't thought of him.
We were very different people. There is no reason we should have gotten along. We disagreed on many of the burning issues of the time, but he never disparaged me (or anyone else in the class) for our views. In fact, he encouraged discussion and civil discourse. He helped me to see we could disagree without being disagreeable.
I doubt I made more than a momentary impression on him. He surely forgot about me over the years. I was one of probably thousands of faces in his classrooms over the years. But his impact on my life was profound and I will never forget him.
Rest in peace, Coach.
Art "Chip" Bok
May 20, 2017
My sympathies to Coach Swisher's family. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was my football and track coach, teacher, and mentor at Meadowdale HS. I learned from his wit, toughness, and kindness. He was one of kind and had a great influence on my life. He'll be missed.
Dick Palmer
May 19, 2017
I had the pleasure of competing against John in AA Baseball games in Dayton for a few years. I also considered him a friend and a "class" individual. He was a GREAT competitor, but always displayed the best sportsmanship and I enjoyed getting to know him over the years. He was an excellent example of the best in a good man.
Jim Test
May 19, 2017
I remember John Swisher when I was 9yrs. old and John was 10 yrs. old and he had just moved into our neighborhood on Kipling Dr. in Dayton. John and I played on the same Little League team together starting in April of 1953 at Princeton Park which was sponsored by Dayton View Little League. On a day , which I can't remember, John hit the first home run for the Dayton View Little League at Princeton Park. I happened to be the oldest child in my family, but I always looked at John as a big brother. John always was at the center of attention among the guys of the neighborhood who would meet at Gray's Drug Store in Miracle Lane Shopping for a cherry coke at the soda fountain area. I could go on, but I honestly can't because I feel sad that a friend of mine from the past is gone and I won't have the opportunity to to tell him how much I appreciated his friendship.
Pat McGuirk
May 18, 2017
I did not know John well since I lived in another state, however, I would see and converse with John many times, mostly when I would be in the corporate offices of the Cole-Layer-Trumble Co. where John worked part time assisting the company in dealing with the important outgoing and incoming mail service. He was a professional in the way he went about his work, he was well respected and will truly be missed.
Pat McGuirk, Houston, Texas
May 18, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the passing away of John. It was a pleasure knowing and playing ball with him through the years. Eddie McGuire,Englewood,OH
Rosemary Frey
May 18, 2017
Mr John was a great guy and definitely a kid at heart. I had the pleasure of working with him while he subbed. Miami County Preschool will miss him. Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Mark Dille
May 16, 2017
To the Swisher family. It is with deepest of sorrow and sadness that we send our sincere condolences for the passing of John. John was my history teacher and football coach at Meadowdale High School. But more importantly, after my graduation John became a great friend to the Dilles. John helped me become one of his teammates on several AA baseball teams in Dayton. He was a great leader for those teams. My mother, father, wife and daughter became good friends with the Swishers. We spent many hours at baseball games all over the tri-States and several fun times at Marion's pizza after games!! We loved John like most who got to know him. I am sorry I did not get a chance to tell him how much he was loved and respected by the Dille family. He was a great American. Again, our heartfelt condolences are offered to all the Swisher family. May God hold you close to him while you go through these difficult times... May John rest in peace. Mark, Chris, Kara, Jason, Janis (93) and Ivan (2001) Dille.
Alexis Turnbull
May 15, 2017
Mr. Swisher sure knew how to get a laugh out of anyone around him. His energy was infectious and he always had his eye out for a way to help someone else. I met Mr. Swisher in the Multiple Disablities classroom at Tipp HS where I have aided through HS and he was often a sub. He always had some goofy comment to give me to make me smile, and never missed the chance to say hi. He will be missed greatly.
Paul and Karen Kirschling
May 15, 2017
Our hearts are broken hearing that John is gone. No, we are shocked and so sad.
As we wipe away our tears we know that we are so blessed to have so many Memorial Day cookout memories, so many stories, and endless funny chatter from John. His smile filled your soul and his laugh lifted your heart.
Somehow God always takes the best. It breaks our hearts to loose you but you didn't go alone, for part of us has gone with you the day God called you home. Peace.
Always in our hearts and memories. Thank you for you.
Hugs and love to all of you.
Paul and Karen
Helene Schwartz
May 15, 2017
"Mr. Swisher" made learning history fun at Meadowdale. And, I had such a crush on him that I had to do well in his class! He was a shining spot in my high school years.
Carol Springer
May 15, 2017
I am so sorry for your families loss. I worked with John for about 20 years and thought highly of him. We both had our first grandchild in the same summer. He loved his family and was so very proud of them and his
grandbabies. God Bless Carol Springer, Dayton, Ohio
Michael Grandillo
May 15, 2017
Coach Swisher was the best. I was glad I was able to tell him that a few years ago. I had the good fortune to be coached by him in three sports, no player was too good or not good enough. Great lessons.
May 15, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. I am 62 years old and could never call him John. Mr. Swisher was more than a great teacher, he taught me life lessons. How to live in the real world after school. Be a good person and make smart decisions.He was my track coach and always had a good word to keep you motivated. I will miss him. Best teacher ever and just a good man. Rest well my friend.....................George Davell
May 15, 2017
So sorry to hear of John's passing. My wife Janet(not an FHS grad) thought of John as the "main player" at our class reunions. I will remember John as a classmate and friend. I met John when we were freshmen at Fairview HS. We were in science together. Early in the year our teacher(N.F.) was trying to stir up interest in science and he noticed that John had his book open and was intently reading. When John was asked about the current page, he rolled his shoulders and said 153(or something close to that). To the casual observer, it would seem that John had tremendous interest in science. Actually John had a copy of "Peyton Place" inside his textbook. Just one of my good memories of him.
Bob Schnauber
Mike Browne
May 15, 2017
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I planned on seeing John, and with family obligations it didn't happen. I have many fond memories playing AA baseball together. My best wishes for you moving forward.
Mike Browne
Lisa Bierer
May 15, 2017
I have such fond memories of Mr. Swisher as my American History teacher at Meadowdale. He was a great teacher, coach & had a unique way of making learning fun along with the educational aspect. I remember trying to ply his high school stories out of him since he & his wife Merrily graduated with my oldest sister from Fairview, our arch rival. So sorry for the loss to your family & friends. God bless.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kettering Bierer
Class of '72
David Beerman
May 15, 2017
So sorry to hear about John's passing. He helped to turn around the football program at Meadowdale HS as an assistant coach. John was always able to get his point across with a few choice words.
Philip Engle
May 15, 2017
I knew John, his brother Sam, and his wife Merrily from my days at Fairview H.S. I last saw John some 30 years ago and after asking how I was he immediately asked how my parents were doing. I always remembered that thoughtfulness. That's how John was. God rest. Philip R. Engle, Fairview, '60.
Ross Collins
May 14, 2017
John was a friend that we haven't had any contact with for awhile. But if he would see you out at a restaurant or a UD Flyers game he made it a point to say hi. Our condolences to your whole family. Ross and Judy Collins, family.
James Reed
May 14, 2017
My prayers and condolences go out to Coach Swisher family and friends. James Reed, Meadowdale class of 1978.
Steve Roselle
May 14, 2017
To a great man I always have high respect for and proud to say I told him that more than once.. great teacher of school and life, coach, friend and mentor...
Sheila Dalton
May 14, 2017
Mr. Swisher was my American History teacher at Meadowdale High School in 1974. He was a wonderful teacher. My condolences to his family.
Sheila Dalton (Clark) Class of 1975
Eric Rosen
May 14, 2017
John was a great teacher and a very fine human being. My condolences to his family and friends.
May 14, 2017
Mr. Swisher was one of my favorite teachers at Meadowdale. He made a lasting impression on my life. I remember the day he announced the birth of his twins. He was so proud. My condolences to his family & friends. Rest in peace.
Rick & Janet Kaufman
May 12, 2017
Merrily, Trent, Holly, & Cara, What a sad day it is for Janet & I and we feel so very sorry for you. John was a great friend to me and I so enjoyed spending time with all of you back in my "Dayton" days. We shared a lot over breakfast at Friendlys before school, John and I liked our bacon squealing, definitely not crispy. I struggled to keep up with John during our runs through the orchard at Meadowdale and though I might have beaten him a time or two in handball, he was the superior player; what made it so much fun was that we both competed and played hard, not giving the other an inch. He never compromised his beliefs, John was as honest as the day is long and you knew exactly where you stood with him. One other thing which I know you know very well is that he LOVED his family. God bless you, Love Rick & Janet
John Scheu
May 12, 2017
John taught and coached at Meadowdale HS when I attended school there in the late 1960's. I remember playing basketball with he and other staff members in the gym, along with Principal John Maxwell and several of my basketball teammates. Later during my required college observation for teaching I observed in his American History class in the early 1970's. He had a huge influence on me entering the field of education as a Social Studies teacher and now superintendent. What a huge loss.
Kari La Lumiere
May 12, 2017
Mr. John was the absolute BEST substitute teacher at the ESC. My students and staff always loved having him! What a wonderful life. He will be greatly missed at Troy Junior High School. Thinking of your family during this time.
Sue Goldman Apter
May 11, 2017
My condolences to Merrily and the entire family... we went to school all together in Dayton! It's been many years since we have seen each other... I'm in shock...
Long time sweethearts... I know you will have loving memories
Sue Goldman Apter
Vince Borchers
May 11, 2017
It was always Great playin Hoops at the Park, John had a Crafty game, Loved talking to him, He will be missed.
Sandy Carsron
May 11, 2017
John was a great guy to work with. He always brought a smile and laughter to our room. Troy H.S. will miss him dearly. Our prayers go to his family.
Marc Pelletier
May 11, 2017
John was someone who I looked up to as a kid and did business with as an adult. But none of that really matters.......Who's got next game? That's what matters. I will never forget playing basketball at the park. My condolences to all the Swishers. Your next door neighbor, Marc
Marilynn Rowe
May 11, 2017
John will be missed so much here at Tippecanoe High School. RIP Mr. Swisher
Bill Lee
May 11, 2017
I had not seen John for several years when I was told Tuesday night that he had passed away earlier that day. It has shaken me up quite a bit.
John was the husband of my mom's cousin Merrily, and while I had met him a few times, I didn't know him well until the late '90s. My mom was at some family occasion, and John told her that he and some other guys rented out a gym in Troy on Thursday nights during the winter months. He said that I was welcome to play up there; I accepted the offer.
John gave me, a guy who is a lousy athlete (those who played with me will get a good laugh out of that), a chance to do something I looked forward to every week on all those Thursday nights for many years. I am shy and backward by nature, but over time, I realized how lucky I was to be able to play ball with John and a great bunch of guys, and although John and many of the others quit over the years (I eventually did due to circumstances in my life), I treasure those times. I miss seeing a number of those guys, but most of all, it pains me to know I will never see John again.
John had a very unique wit and a wicked sense of humor; there wasn't anyone else like him. Everyone likes to say someone was a great person after they pass away (to the point where it becomes a cliché), but it takes a lot for me to say that about someone. John truly was that kind of person, the kind of guy I wish I had had for a father. I wish I had talked to him regularly after we both had quit playing basketball, but I never wanted to bother him since he was often busy with his family.
My condolences (along with those of my mom) go out to Merrily, Trent, Holly, Cara, and John and Merrily's five grandchildren. I know you all are a close family, and I can't imagine what you are going through now. I can't believe he's gone myself since he was one of those people who are larger than life. I think of all of you during this tragic time.
(My apologies for the length of this entry.)
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