Donald "Don" William Swope

Donald William Swope, 69, of Shippensburg, peacefully departed this life on the morning of Saturday, December 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer.

Born May 16, 1956, in Chambersburg, son of the late John W. and Wanda J. (Smith) Swope. Don was a 1974 graduate of Shippensburg Area High School.

Don is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tammy A. Swope, whom he married on May 31, 1986; two children Hayley M. Kendall (Matthew) of Orrstown, and Derek W. Swope (Taylor) of Shippensburg and his beloved grandchildren, Tessa and Carter Kendall of Orrstown. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Don’s career began at the former Johnnie’s Restaurant in Newburg and Whisler’s Well Drilling, Newville, however he spent much of his career at Ingersoll-Rand Company/Volvo Construction Equipment. He started as an assembler, then advanced to a supervisory role and retired as a prototype technician after over 43 years of employment.

Don enjoyed gardening, reading, wood and metal working, and had a natural mechanical ability and talent for projects; able to fix nearly anything. Don was a very dedicated and proud father to Hayley and Derek. He deeply loved his family and cherished every moment spent with them, especially his time as “Pappy” to his beloved Tessa and Carter.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Shippensburg. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Spring Hill Cemetery, Shippensburg. Pastor Denny Hunsinger will officiate.