Albert Leon Swalley

Albert “Al” Leon Swalley, 92, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at Worthington Christian Village. A man of quiet ingenuity, unassuming humor, steady hands, and deep faith, Al spent his life fixing what was broken and tending to the people he loved.

Born on September 15, 1933, in Salem, Illinois, to Albert and Cora Swalley, Al grew up on the family farm with the hardworking values of the Midwest. After graduating from Salem High School, he answered the call to service, joining the U.S. Army and serving in Waco, Texas, from 1956 to 1962.

Al’s professional life was defined by his career as an electrical engineer with Western Electric/AT&T. While his work required a sharp mind and frequent travel, his true workshop was always at home. Al was the quintessential tinkerer; he viewed a stuck bolt or a rusted screw as a puzzle to be solved, and he never met a piece of hardware he couldn't outsmart. This passion for mechanics extended into his side business in small engine repair, where he was known as the man who could breathe life back into any motor for a fair price.

His faith and his community were the cornerstones of his life. Al was a devoted member of the Worthington Grace Brethren Church, where he served with a servant's heart as a Deacon. He found great joy in mentorship, serving as a leader for the Christian Service Brigade and spending time each summer at Stony Glen Camp. When he wasn't serving his church or tinkering in the garage, Al could be found fishing, camping, or traveling—often with his family by his side.

Above all, Al was a patriarch who was profoundly proud of his family and is feeling “finer than frog hair” to see them gather in celebration of his life. He is waiting patiently to be reunited in heaven some day with his devoted wife of sixty-eight years, Rosalie Janelle Swalley, his best friend since their very first “blind date.” He is survived by his brother Jerry Swalley and his family. Albert’s legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren:

● Jerreth (George) McLaughlin: and children Ben (Alicia) McLaughlin with great-granddaughter Rowyn; Emily McLaughlin; and Kelita (Caleb) McLaughlin with great-grandson Mark.

● Judith (Randy) Jenkins: and children Leah (Jeff) Rodio; Abby Jenkins (fiancé Aakash Patel) with great-granddaughter Aasha; and Grace (Dakota) Gray with great-grandchildren Everly, Emerson, and Gideon Joshua.

● Arlene Swalley: and children Andrew, Dimitri, Angela (fiancé Robbie), and Max (Marissa).

● Robert Swalley: and children Jackson Swalley and Annika Swalley and their mother Jennifer.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Cora Swalley.

Service Information

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Al’s life on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

● Visitation: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at Schoedinger Worthington (6699 N. High Street, Worthington, OH).

● Funeral Service: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Grace Polaris Church (8225 Worthington Galena Rd, Westerville, OH), with a reception to follow.

● Interment: Albert will be laid to rest in Salem, Marion County, Illinois, USA at Paradise Cemetery