Harry Semmer Swithers, resident of Flagstaff, Arizona, formerly of Sun City, Arizona, Southern California

and Alden, Pennsylvania, passed away from Parkinson's Disease on June 22, 2018 at home at 90 years of

age.

Harry was born to Ruth and Harry Swithers, Sr. The Swithers family owned and operated Sanitary Ice

Company in Alden.

As a young man Harry worked in the business and developed a strong work ethic

that lasted his entire life. Harry attended Newport High School, graduating in 1946. In January 1947

Harry and two friends, Foster Whitebread and George Check, hitchhiked to California to study aerospace

engineering.

In 1949 Harry joined the Air Force and was trained in air craft maintenance and rose to the position of

Staff Sergeant. He served in the Philippines during the Korean War. In 1952 Harry married his Nanticoke

sweetheart, Elizabeth (Betty) Norton, in Hollywood. Later, they moved to the rural Santa Monica

Mountains where they raised two girls, Arline and Gaye, and led a rich life.

Harry was a mechanical engineer and valued employee and colleague at Hughes Aircraft in Culver City,

California for 25 years. He was instrumental in the development of early space program projects and

later developed the radar systems for the F-14, the SR-71, the B2 Spirit and more.

Towards retirement Harry and Betty enjoyed investing in real estate and refurbishing homes in

California and Arizona. Harry's devotion to family carried-over into his role as an enthusiastic

grandparent and great-grandparent.

Following in his father's footsteps, Harry enjoyed carpentry. He took pride in his home and vehicles

providing conscientious maintenance. He was always generous with his time and energy towards his

family, friends and church. His daughters were the apple of his eye and his beautiful wife, still his

sweetheart, after 66 years of marriage. He found his rewards in doing, rather than seeking accolades.

Harry loved his country and was always a patriot.

Harry will be deeply missed by his wife, Elizabeth (now passed); his daughters Arline Martens (Chuck),

Gaye Kiel (Erik), six grandchildren and their spouses, four great-children and his sister Naomi Gay (nee

Swithers) of Levittown, PA (now passed) and his many friends in Sun City and in Flagstaff, AZ.

Harry, you "have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). May you

rest in peace.

A memorial service was held in June 2018 in Flagstaff, AZ.

A graveside service for Harry and Betty will be held at 11:00, Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Nanticoke City Cemetery, Nanticoke, PA.