Robert L. Swanger

Robert L. Swanger, III, 43, was welcomed into his savior’s arms on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Rob was at home in Mechanicsburg with his wife and parents as he made his passage.

Rob was loved by many for his sense of humor and admired for his faith. He was a devoted husband and caring father to his foster children. The children loved him for his willingness to play whatever board games or activity they chose, but anyone who ever played a game with Rob knew he wasn’t just going to let them win because of the famous Swanger competitiveness he inherited from his Gram. Rob was a Penn State football fan and would schedule the games in his calendar at the beginning of each season. He really appreciated authenticity in people he met and he loved wearing funny or ironic t-shirts, especially those with obscure references.

A celebration of life.officiated by Pastor Ron O'Neil, is planned for Saturday, April 13 at noon at Daybreak Church, 321 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg. The family asks that attendees wear their favorite t-shirts as a nod to Rob.

Robert was born September 30, 1975 to Sherry Lynn (Jacobs) and Robert L Swanger, Jr. Rob was a graduate of the East Pennsboro class of 1994. In 1998 he received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminology from Penn State University and then earned his Master’s of Administration of Justice at Shippensburg University in 2007. Rob married his sweetheart, Michele Lea Kephart, on May 26, 2001 in Mechanicsburg. Robert and his wife Michele served as foster parents at Diakon.

Rob used his gifts in counseling and mentoring as a juvenile probation officer for Cumberland County for more than 10 years. His passion for developing relational equity with the youth he served helped them overcome many difficult circumstances. Rob helped develop the first recidivism study that is still being used to evaluate the effects of evidenced based practices within the department. He also helped develop policies and assessments that are a daily part of how cases are processed. His contributions to the Cumberland County Juvenile Probation Department will continue to impact youth for generations to come.

Rob is preceded in death by his grandparents and his Aunt Verena. He is survived by his wife of over 17 years, Michele; son William; his dad, Bob; mom, Sherry; and sisters-in-law, Marie and Andrea. He leaves behind other  beloved relatives including his Uncle Doug and Aunt Lisa as well as nieces and cousins who adore him.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Daybreak Church where Rob was a member and part of a loving church family. Special thanks to the Penn State Cancer Institute for their care in his last years, especially Dr. Sheldon Holder, Dr. Susan Glod and his care coordinators, Jayda and Michelle. You each made his last years better.

The family would like to express appreciation to Richardson Funeral Home for their services.

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