Obituary of William F Swisher

Obituary for William F. Swisher July 21, 1933 – May 30, 2026 William "Bill" Swisher, was born on July 21, 1933, to William and Grace (Sellard) Swisher of Bloomsburg, PA. At Bloomsburg high school, he was an outstanding pitcher, averaging 12 strikeouts a game, pitching a no-hit game in his senior year. As team captain, he set a new all-time scoring record, was selected "all-league" three times, and "all-state" in his senior year. His team won the school's first PIAA district championship. After high school, Bill served in the Army in Fort Richardson, Alaska from 1953-1955. In 1953, he was selected as a member of the All-Army team. After the Army, Bill enrolled in Bloomsburg State Teacher's College/Bloomsburg University. There he set another all-time scoring record in basketball, being the first player in school history, to score over 1000 points (prior to the 3-point line). Subsequently, in 1992, he was inducted into the Bloomsburg University Hall of Fame. Bill married his beloved wife Sarah in 1959, and accepted an elementary school teaching position in Hamilton, NY. He achieved a master's degree in School Administration at Colgate University and was selected elementary principal in Mt. Upton, NY. There, he and his wife Sarah established a new elementary school library. In 1966, Bill accepted a position as principal at Cincinnatus Central School in Cincinnatus, NY. In 1976, the family moved to McGraw, NY where he served as elementary school principal for the next 20 years before retiring. In his many years as principal, he was selected as the Outstanding Elementary Principal "Friend of Reading", The NY State Education Department recognized him twice for the school's "Parents as Reading Partners" program. Bill was involved in many community activities outside of school. He was the Charter President of the Cincinnatus Lion's Club with 25 years of perfect attendance. He served as the Deputy District Governor of the State Lion's Club Association. He was a life-member of the Cortland Elks and the Cortland American Legion. He chaired a Senior Golf League at Walden Oaks CC in Cortland for over 30 years. Most recently, Bill placed a historic marker at the John J. McGraw field in Truxton, NY. Bill and Sarah have provided scholarships for high schools and colleges, tutored students in South Carolina, where they wintered, and have supported several churches and charitable organizations, working hard and influencing communities where they lived. Bill enjoyed travelling with Sarah over the years, a highlight was playing golf at St. Andrews in Scotland. Bill is predeceased by his wife Sarah Sands Swisher of 66 years and his son William Jeffrey Swisher. He is survived by daughters Ann Swisher (Stanley Schifilliti) and Amy Swisher Lozupone (Larry Prange), 4 grandchildren, Jonathan Swisher (Holly), Emily Swisher (Jared Davidson), Brendan Lozupone (Brittany), Katherine Sawyer (Jack) and 11 great grandchildren Alana Rowley, Keegan Rowley, Jordan Swisher, Adeline Davidson, Jared Davidson, Amelia Davidson, Raegan Lozupone, Charlotte Lozupone, Ava Sawyer, Saylor Sawyer and Navy Sawyer. A church service celebrating Bill's life will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Homer First United Methodist Church, Homer, NY. A gathering will be held after the service at Walden Oaks Country Club, Cortland, NY at 5:30 p.m. Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the family with arrangements. To offer condolences online visit www.wright-beard.com