Bill was a life-long resident of Canton, Pa. and passed away Saturday morning, Oct. 27, 2018 at the Guthrie Troy Community Hospital while surrounded by family. He was 83 years old.
John William, “Bill” to family and friends, was born Feb. 11, 1935 at the family home in Canton Township, a son of the late John A. and Helen (Jones) Swingle. He was a 1952 graduate of Canton High School and graduated from Penn State University majoring in Animal Husbandry studies. He also served in the U.S. Army and National Guard from 1956 – 1962. Bill found his calling early in life as a dairy farmer and steward of the land. With dedicated work and insight, he and his father improved the farm and livestock, establishing The Swingle Jersey Farm. His registered herd of Jerseys were shown for many years at the Troy Fair and the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. On Apr. 18, 1975, Bill and the former Pauline Wilcox Haflett were married in the Canton Church of Christ (DOC).
Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Pauline (Wilcox) Swingle; children, Donna (Haflett) and Gordon Corbin from Tarentum, Pa., Jane (Haflett) and Larry Porter from Raleigh, N.C., Robert and Linda (Celli) Haflett from Mifflintown, Pa. and David and Darlene (DeGroat) Haflett from Munnsville, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren, Amy Peterson, Kara Perry, Ryan Corbin, Jackie Oliver, Jennifer Chapman, Laurie Carter, Lisa Bridges, Matt Haflett, Jack Haflett, Corey Haflett, Kristy Garbarino, Kaylee Ladd and Chelsy Haflett; 24 great grandchildren, Caitlin Oliver, Haley Oliver, Seth Oliver, Logan Little, Greyson Chapman, Aubrey Chapman, Jackson Carter, Emily Bridges, Joshua Bridges, Noah Bridges, Maddie Peterson, Carter Peterson, Ellie Gould, Triston Perry, Kelly Gould, Rylan Corbin, Reegan Corbin, Colton Corbin, Owen Corbin, Lilia Haflett, Dex Haflett, Eva Haflett, Oliver Garbarino and Phoebe Garbarino; a foster brother, John Ribovich; sisters-in–law, Kathryn “Kitty” Swingle and Sharon May; nieces and nephews, Amber Edson, Steve May and Kathy Machmer. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Swingle; grandchild, Kelly Corbin; great grandchild, Landon Peterson; two brothers-in-law, Warren Wilcox and Lynn May.
Burial will be private in Beech Flats Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his name to East Canton United Methodist Church, 5791 Rt. 414 Canton, Pa. 17724 or to a charity of one’s choice. Pepper Funeral Home & Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive Canton, is assisting his family with arrangements. Share condolences and memories at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.