Allyn L. Swavely, 81, of Reading passed away Sunday, May 4th, at his residence.
Allyn was born in Reading on December 16, 1943, a son of the late Florence (Mengel) and William Swavely and was the husband of Elaine M. Swavely of Hamburg, PA.
He was a graduate of Reading High School in 1961 and entered the US Army in April 1962 and was honorably discharged in April 1965. While serving in the military Allyn attended and graduated Radar Repairman School at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Allyn finished his enlistment as a Radar Repairman for a missile system.
Allyn was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local #19 based in Philadelphia from 1967 till his retirement in 2000, working at all facets of the sheet metal trade. During his time with the Union he taught a journeyman enhancement course at the apprenticeship building in Shoemakersville. While being an instructor he attended instructor training courses overseen by Ohio State University.
Allyn was an Officer in the Americus Club and the Berks County Clubman’s Association as well as other social organizations. He joined the Reading Elks Lodge #115 of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks in 1995 and was appointed Esquire and continued through the Chairs of the Lodge including Secretary, Trustee, Treasurer and Exalted Ruler from 1999-2000 and 2005-07. In 2012 he was honored to be installed as District State Vice President for the Southeast District of the Pennsylvania Elks State Association.
Allyn is survived by his son, Allyn L. Swavely, Jr. (Renee) of Lancaster; his three daughters, Sheila Pizzo of Reading; Lisa Balthaser of NJ; Kim Doxie (David) of Wernersville; his six grandchildren, Kristy, Jude, Parker, Phoebe, Daphne, and Sarah; and his two great-grandchildren Ella and Kenzie.
Family and friends are invited to gather Friday, May 9th from 11:30 to 12:30 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4201 Stoudt's Ferry Bridge Road, Reading, PA 19605. Memorial service will follow at 12:30 PM. Interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your choice of The American Heart Association, United Cerebral Palsy, or The Juvenile Diabetes Cure Alliance.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. Obituary and condolences at www.johnpfeeney.com.
