John T. Swagger

Family and friends mourn the death of John Thomas Swagger who passed away on his 80th birthday, December 7, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Boardman from congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on the south side near Idora Park and Mill Creek Park. He liked to reminisce about his youth, pulling pranks on friends, joining the band as a drummer at South High School, and working at his family Isaly’s store in Fosterville.

He served in the military during Vietnam from 1964 to 1968 doing tours in Vietnam as a chopper door gunner while being shot down twice and also in Germany before finishing his duty in Frederick, Maryland. He worked for Boardman Township Police Department from 1978 until 1998, when he became a reserve officer for 10 more years. He loved working with the public and chatting with anyone. Later years were spent at his home in Boardman enjoying sitting outside with his animals, friends and a good cigar while watching the birds and listening to the radio.

One of his favorite activities was eating chocolate. Milkshakes were a particular favorite, but there was no bad chocolate.

John will be remembered by friends and family as an avid animal lover who welcomed any animal in for a meal. He started small with dogs and cats but quickly moved on to horses, goats, ducks, racoons, and skunks. Many an orphaned or abandoned animal ended up coming home with him to live on his 20 acres in New Waterford he owned before moving back to Boardman in retirement.

He is survived by his daughter, Ginger (Mark), of Maryland; son, John "JT" Thomas Swagger, of Boardman; a sister, Mary Elizabeth; grandchildren, Kathryn and Dominic; and many nieces and nephews. Important friends in his life that made his last years at home possible include Mandy Mitzel, Larry Hills, and Jeff and Daree Everett.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Juanita (Holloway) Swagger; sister, Carolyn Simmons; and brother, William Swagger.

He will be laid to rest at Crest Haven Memorial Garden in New Waterford. 

Private interment will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to charities serving animals.