Obituaries

Frank M. Swalga

7/13/1940 - 5/3/2023

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Obituary For Frank M. Swalga

Frank M. Swalga
July 13, 1940 – May 3, 2023

Frank M. Swalga, 82, Altoona, passed away Wednesday morning at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Bairdstown, son of the late Francis and Martha (Johns) Swalga.
On Aug. 31, 1963, he married Mary E. Geary in Blairsville.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary, of Altoona; two sons, Frank Swalga (Dawn) of Duncansville and Marc Swalga (Amy) of Altoona; a daughter, Crissy Settimio (Mike) of Altoona; seven grandchildren: Chelsey (Kyler), Taylor (Jamie), Nicole (Matt), Lukas (Madison), Aleks, Kaleb and Isabella; four great-grandchildren: Ella, Finn, Rylee and Patrick; a brother, Daniel Swalga (Janet) of Moon Township; and a sister, Patricia Stoklosa of Blairsville.
He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Stephen Stoklosa.
Frank was a graduate of Blairsville High School and received a bachelor's and master’s degree in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
He retired from Altoona Area School District as a Biology teacher at Keith Junior High School with over 40 years of service.
Frank was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont.
He was a football coach at Keith Junior High School and a longtime area PIAA official of basketball and football for over 40 years. While not teaching during the school year, Frank was always active with helping kids through summer school programs and his officiating.
Frank enjoyed trips to Wildwood, N.J. and spending time with his family.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont, with Monsignor Michael Becker officiating. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.

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Tributes

  • Calming Comfort Bouquet

    Calming Comfort Bouquet was sent for Frank M. Swalga - 05/04/2023

  • America the Beautiful

    Kendra S Napolitana sent America the Beautiful for Frank M. Swalga - 05/04/2023

    Our deepest sympathies. Love, Anthony & Kendra Napolitana

  • America the Beautiful

    Samuel Johns sent America the Beautiful for Frank M. Swalga - 05/04/2023

    With Deepest Condolences for a Wonderful Man Sam Johns

  • Sweet Moments

    Sweet Moments was sent for Frank M. Swalga - 05/04/2023

  • Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

    Donna Tucker sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Frank M. Swalga - 05/04/2023

    You're in our thoughts and prayers Norm & Donna Tucker Robin & Bob Brown

  • Beautiful Horizons Floor Basket

    Rachel Snyder sent Beautiful Horizons Floor Basket for Frank M. Swalga - 05/04/2023

    Sending everyone our deepest condolences. May this basket remind you of Uncle Frank's bold, beautiful, radiance. He will be deeply missed, Rachel and Will Snyder Dallas and Gage Piel

  • Ocean Devotion

    Jeannette E. Snyder sent Ocean Devotion for Frank M. Swalga - 05/04/2023

    With our deepest condolences for your loss, Jenni Snyder and Family

  • 5 TREES

    5 Trees were planted in memory of Frank M. Swalga - 05/09/2023

Condolences

  • 11/04/2024

    Diana

    I was very shy in ninth grade. Once when I was deep into reading, Mr Swalga came up behind me and dropped a Gardner snake 🐍 in front of me. I screamed and jumped up and ran down the hall. Mr. Swalga came after me and brought me back. After that, we all laughed and he helped to bring me out of my shell. Thank you Mr. Swalga.

  • 05/05/2023

    Gary Smith

    I am deeply saddened with the passing of Mr. Swalga, He was absolutely the finest teacher I had in my journey through the Altoona school system. He was my science teacher at Keith for all three years, 1966 through 1969. He made me think critically, and to work to my fullest potential He had such passion for teaching. This was a great man, who positively impacted the lives of thousands of students. I was blessed to have Mr. Swalga in my life. His family must be so proud this great life, well lived.

  • 05/05/2023

    Diane Buck

    Dan's Memorial Day Picnic will not be the same without Frank with his fork in his pocket, ready to snag some grape leaves or kibi. I will miss his stories about his parents and growing up. Also about his 40 years teaching. I always told him he was nuts for going so long. The world is a sadder place without Frank's smile and chuckle. He was a good man. He will be missed.

  • 05/05/2023

    Ed Clevet

    My deepest condolences to Esther and the family. Frank was my department head for all 36 years that I taught at Keith junior high school. He was a great colleague and a fantastic teacher. Have many fond memories of him. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. God bless.

  • 05/05/2023

    Debi Gagermeier

    My heart aches for this loss. Mr. Swalga taught my Science Conservation class when I was in the 9th grade at Keith JHS. One of my favorite classes and he was absolutely one of my favorite teachers. I have a great photo of him dancing with me at the 9th grade social. He was the man who taught me the proper way to dance formally. Such a fabulous mentor for a tender hearted shy student. He will be sorely missed. We love you Mr. Sawlga, Debi Gagermeier

  • 05/05/2023

    KAREN M FERGUSON

    Rest in Peace Mr. Swalga! One of the greatest teachers and one of the nicest people I have ever known! God bless you and thank you for your humor and your smile!

  • 05/04/2023

    brittni Harvey

    Mr.Swalga was one of the highlights of my time at Keith. He was an amazing teacher and impacted so many of our lives. Rest East 💕

  • 05/04/2023

    Audrey Grohol

    Frank, a dear friend, shared his time by visiting us with his grand children; shared his vast knowledge of science with our children; shared his friendship and his 4th of July parties; but mostly I'll always remember he never stopped visiting John and offering support. Thank you Frank! My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. RIP

  • 05/04/2023

    Susan Drenning

    Oh the memories of having Mr. Swalga for all three years at Keith...from bird walks to the minute of silence when we passed his hometown of Blairsville on our field trip to Pittsburgh...he truly was one of a kind...thoughts and prayers to his wife and family..Susan (Epple) Drenning

  • 05/04/2023

    Karen and Mark Shea

    We loved Frank for his sense of humor, his ability to bring lightness into any room. He was a special man. Sending our condolences to his family.

  • 05/04/2023

    Deb Solomon

    I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. He is the reason that Sam and I moved to Altoona. He was so supportive and such a wonderful friend to us through the years. We will greatly miss him.

  • 05/04/2023

    Nakishia Thomas

    Best teacher ever will forever be missed

  • 05/04/2023

    Tom and Lisa Bradley

    The former Keith staff and thousands who attended this wonderful junior high school are in a deep state of mourning as they learn of Frank's passing. We were fortunate our two children experienced his biology classes and enjoyed the countless fun activities he planned with his buddy, Steve Lightner. Frank's video collection of student bird calls should be sent to the Smithsonian. We extend our sympathy to Frank's wonderful family.

  • 05/04/2023

    Patti Krier

    I'm so sorry to here that Mr. Swalga passed. He was a interesting and funny teacher who made it easy to learn. I'd run into him periodically around town and we would have fun catching up. We have lost one of our great educators.

  • 05/04/2023

    Tom Kattouf

    As my seventh grade football coach, biology teacher, and colleague, Frank was compassionate, kind, and caring. His influence extended to my daughter who became a teacher because of his impact as a role model. A measure of a man is in direct proportion to the lives he touches and Frank impacted on a multitude. Tom Kattouf

  • 05/04/2023

    Pamela Datris Wysong

    My deepest sympathy,he was such a nice man and great teacher with a sense of humor to match. I will always remember my 9th grade biology class at Keith . He will missed !!

  • 05/03/2023

    Jane

    Mr. Swalga was an amazing teacher and finer friend. He helped me in ninth grade get my K pin. I saw him a while ago and we talked and he remembered the "walkout" we crazy ninth graders tried to do on Washington's birthday in ninth grade. What a wonderful and remarkable person. He will be so greatly missed. Jane

  • 05/03/2023

    Missy (Snyder) Bytner

    Mr. Swalga...one of my favorite teachers. So many lives positively impacted by him. Sending my condolences. ❤️

  • 05/03/2023

    Sally (Tychinski) Padula, kjhs 1979

    Mr Swalga was one of the best teachers at Keith. Even after many years, he still remembered me and my kids. A great human being! He will be missed!

  • 05/03/2023

    Tania Brown

    Mr. Swalga was the best teacher I had during all my years at KHJS! He always made Science fun to learn! and I'll never forget his sense of humor and his kindness even years after I graduated and would see him at the Curve games! He will always be remembered!

  • 05/03/2023

    Brenda (Huey) Kairis

    One cannot remember KJHS without thinking of Frank Swalga. He lit up the hallways with his wit and smile. I always looked forward to his class. He will be missed!

  • 05/03/2023

    Elizabeth Elliott Chapman

    Rest in peace. You were a legend and influenced many young lives.

  • 05/03/2023

    Ed Barr

    I taught and coached with Frank in my first job as a teacher at Keith Junior High. He was great at both. The kids loved him because he made science real to them. He had a fine sense of humor and a happy-go-lucky ease. I don't know how I remember this but he was a master of ferns! I think he studied them for his masters degree. He and Rege Hushak made a fine pair of subject matter experts. Frank was really a gentleman, and, if they were asked, his students would admit a love for him and his teaching/coaching. I know his family will miss him greatly. - Ed Barr

  • 05/03/2023

    Lynne Laird

    What a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Sympathy, love and prayers to all. Lynne (Jacobs) Laird

  • 05/03/2023

    Carrie (Seemiller) Novotny

    One of my favorite teachers at KJHS! So sorry to hear of his passing. The world lost a great one.

  • 05/03/2023

    George Conrad

    Mr Swalga was first my umpire, then my coach, then my teacher. He was the best of kind... no higher praise can be given than that 😎

  • 05/03/2023

    Emily Eakins

    A Keith green candle for Frank... Such a well rounded individual and always the kind of guy you wanted to run into! He will be missed by many! 💚🐏💚

  • 05/03/2023

    Joseph E. Macharola

    I am very very sorry to learn of Frank's passing. He was a very good man whom I respected. My deepest sympathy.

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