Thomas A Swardell

Thomas Andrew Swardell

Thomas Swardell, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on July 9, 2016 in Atlanta, GA. Tom was the son of the late Andrew and Mary Swardell. Born in Cheswick, PA, he grew up with his younger brother William. Tom attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with a degree in Biology. He was a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity and the Army ROTC program.

Upon graduation, Tom married his college sweetheart, Erla Fennick, commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army and began a successful military career. Tom served all over the globe including multiple combat tours in Vietnam where he was awarded numerous decorations; most notably the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service for combat action. Tom retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997 and continued to serve the Department of the Army as a civil servant with his final duty assignment at Fort McPherson, GA where he retired in 1989. His father, mother and brother preceded Tom in death.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Erla, and his three loving daughters; Kim (Michael Sciretta), Sherri (Michael Vizcarra) and Tanya (Jeffrey Cheeves) as well as eight beloved grandchildren; Amanda and Leah Sciretta; Victoria and Nicholas Vizcarra; Andrew, Patrick, Madison and Evan Cheeves. A private burial ceremony will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

Donations may be sent to the American Lung Association, 2452 Spring Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 or the American Heart Association, 1101 Northchase Pkwy, SE #1, Marietta, GA 30067.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899