Robert Budd Swartz

Robert Budd Swartz passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Budd, as he was known, was born on August 15, 1946, in Harrisburg, PA. Graduating from Central Dauphin High School in 1964, Budd was in the top 5% of his class, a National Honor Society member, captain of the wrestling team, and Wrestling Section Champion. He went on to graduate cum laude from Lehigh University in 1972 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. At the start of his career, Budd worked for Marine Geotechnical Laboratory of Lehigh University as a technician in Ocean Bottom Studies. There he was awarded a patent for his design of a transducer for measuring differential pore water pressure in ocean sediments. During this time, he made an 1800-foot dive in the submersible Alvin at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Budd also worked for General Motors Overseas Operations as a Field Engineer for non-automotive products, Detroit Diesel engines, and Allison Transmissions. Following this, he worked for General Electric for 30 years as a field engineer, where he was responsible for the installation and service of large steam turbine generators. This work took him around the world, inspecting steam turbines. After his retirement, Budd focused on working the land. A true jack-of all-trades, he was skilled in carpentry, electrical work, forestry, and construction. He built additions onto his home with his own hands and was happiest when he was outdoors, cutting firewood in the woods, and maintaining the land that he loved. Budd was a lifelong learner and a constant reader. He loved reading the classics, history books, and detective stories. He was extremely well-versed in History, especially World War II. Budd had an incredible memory of dates and facts, and always astounded people with his breadth of knowledge. Budd was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Dorothy Forry Swartz, and first wife, Nancy Silverman. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Elizabeth Halton, sons David Swartz and Kevin Swartz, grandson Nicholas Swartz, stepchildren Christopher (Bonnie) Roop and Jennifer Connors, as well as step-grandchildren Megan Roop, Chloe (Cassius) Allen, William Connors, Daniel Connors, and Jonah Connors. He is survived by his brother Samuel (Ruth) Swartz Jr. He also leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Nell. Budd was a brilliant, generous, and unconditionally loving person, and he will be missed by all whose lives he touched. “A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength, and grace, from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place.” Rest in peace Buddy, Dad, Grampy, and Pappy. Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 4 - 5 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Johnstown, followed by a Memorial Service at 5pm. Memorial contributions in Budd’s memory can be made to One Church Street (onechurchstreet.org) or Out of the Pits (outofthepits.org)

Robert Budd Swartz

August 15, 1946 - May 6, 2025

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Robert Budd Swartz

August 15, 1946 - May 6, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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