John Douglas Swartz

John (Johnny) Douglas Swartz, 75, of Lancaster PA, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024 in his home with his family. He was the loving husband of Gail Swartz for 48 years and father of Melissa Raub and Ashley Salazar. John was a proud grandfather of 6 grandkids who called him Pappy.  

John was born in Lancaster, PA to his parents Myrtle (Betty) Graham and Roy Swartz. Growing up John loved school, sports, cars and music. John graduated from Hempfield High School in 1966. He dedicated over 50 years to the car business in automotive recon, retail and wholesale. He and his wife Gail were boaters on the Chesapeake Bay for many years, John loved the water. He was known for his wit, unique sense of humor and jokes/story telling. He worked hard at not taking life too seriously. 

John was an avid reader and dreamed of writing his own book. He accredited his creative way with words to his teachers both in formal schooling and in books. He had a saying for almost everything and used them to help others find perspective. He wasn’t an advice giver, more of a giver of food for thought and boy could he get people to think. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of life at Debord Snyder Funeral Home on Sunday August 25, 2024 from 10am-12pm for a time of remembrance and sharing. Friends may greet the family from 10am until 11am when eulogy sharing will begin. Please honor John by dressing comfortably/casually and bring a story to share if you are willing. As many people are well aware, John had a way with words. Your written or spoken words about how you experienced him will honor him and bring his family comfort. 

 John left us with many writings scratched on paper here and there, articles he dreamed up to publish and even a book that he and his youngest daughter wrote together. Here is a sample of what we think was a satiric obituary he wrote in his final weeks. For those of us who knew him, you can hear his voice and see his sarcastic smile as he writes. 

 “Once upon a time in a land far away (Willow Street) sat an old ex-drinker car dealer who no longer smoked. An avid reader, he sat wondering if at a time when there was nothing physically, he could any longer do - if he could write something that people would pay to read. The thing about getting old that one doesn’t realize is that the lack of activity has a tendency to slow the mind. Reading is the one thing that fills the hours and stimulates the mind. But it doesn’t pay well, it in fact, costs money.”