Terry Leroy Sweitzer

Terry Leroy Sweitzer, 91, of New Franklin, Ohio, peacefully passed into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 24, 2024. Born in Akron and raised by his maternal Grandmother, Lillian “Moe” Bell, along with the grace of the Lord, Terry overcame a difficult childhood to become a faithful Christ follower as well as a loving husband, father and friend to many.  After graduating from Kenmore High School in 1950, Terry served as an Aviation Metalsmith in the U.S. Naval Reserve. This experience encouraged his interest in working with his hands and flying, both of which became lifelong hobbies and means of serving others. Occupationally, Terry followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle by becoming an electrician for over 40 years through the IBEW Local 306. 
In 1954, Terry married his high school sweetheart, Donna Morris.  Terry and Donna bought property in New Franklin and by working both weekends and evenings, they built their own home where they raised two sons, Stephen and David. Terry was a devoted husband to Donna for 54 years until her death in 2009. Terry resided in this home for 63 years offering much to the community. As a committed husband and father, Terry strove to provide for his family and create opportunities to make rich and lasting memories: holiday gatherings, camping trips, church participation, and local sports-teams involvement are just a few.  After retiring in 1994, Terry and Donna spent their time enjoying their grandchildren, traveling the country and wintering at Whispering Pines Community in Frostproof, Florida. They also dedicated much time to serving their God; they contributed locally at their church as well through construction-mission work in Akron, Appalachia, Ireland, and multiple countries in Central and South America. 
Preceded in death by his father, Leroy Sweitzer, and mother, Frances Schneider, Terry is survived by his cousin Jim Sweitzer (Vivian) of Kent, brother-in-law John Morris of Richmond, IN, son Stephen Sweitzer (Rhonda) of Live Oak, FL, son David Sweitzer (Guida) of Akron, eight grandchildren: Stacey Jones (Jeff) of Bainbridge, GA; Emily Bruce (Joel) of Lexington, SC; Evelina Seifert (Ian) of Akron, Brayden Sweitzer (Tory) of Akron, Aubreyelen Kennedy (Ryan) of Akron, Tristen Sweitzer (Rachel) of Tallmadge, Lillyanne Vlahos (Eric) of Cuyahoga Falls, Stephen Sweitzer of Seattle, WA, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held for Terry on March 22, 2024, at Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home in Canal Fulton, Ohio at 3pm with visitation beginning at 2pm.  A private interment will follow later.  The family would like to thank the residents and staff at Pleasant Pointe Assisted Living and Summa Hospice for the way they loved and cared for Terry during his stay there this last year.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in Terry’s name to Urban Vision of Akron or World Thrust International based in Lawrenceville, GA.

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