Roger F. Swendsen

Roger F. Swendsen, 87, of Tyler Hill, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, January 30, 2026, at Ellen Memorial Healthcare Center in Honesdale.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Clara Pekarsky Swendsen, who passed on April 3, 2012. The couple was married on November 5, 1960.

Born September 13, 1938, in Tyler Hill, Roger was the son of the late Ivan and Ruth Hinaman Swendsen. He was a graduate of Damascus High School and served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. In 1963, Roger graduated from the Teterboro School of Aeronautics, where he studied aircraft mechanics.

Roger was a dairy farmer for nearly all his life. He was a member of the Damascus Township Historical Society and had a lifelong passion for studying and preserving the history of Tyler Hill.

Known for his adventurous spirit, Roger's daredevil highlights included a motorcycle trip to Texas and a skydiving adventure at the age of 77. That tandem jump from 18,000 feet ended with a broken fibula but also with immense pride and video proof, still available on YouTube under swendsen101. Undeterred, Roger continued riding his dirt bike around Tyler Hill until this past winter.

Above all else, Roger loved his family. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy.

He is survived by his sister, Judith Diehl; and his three children: Fred Swendsen and his wife Nancy of Pleasant Mount, Evelyn Weissmann and her husband Jim of Callicoon Center, NY, and John Swendsen and his wife Erica of Lake Ariel; seven grandchildren: Christine Rosario, Courtney Swendsen, Maria Swendsen, Matthew Swendsen, Jessica Lowe, Samantha Swendsen, and Jennifer Stanton; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear friends, Carolyn Grady and Alice Labar.

Roger was also preceded in death by his brother, Alfred Swendsen.

Graveside services will be private and held at the convenience of the family at Hillside Cemetery in Damascus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger's memory to the Damascus Township Historical Society, 60 Conklin Hill Rd, Damascus, PA 18415.

Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com