Leland Swertfager

Leland was born Aug. 30, 1924 in Norwich the son of John F. and Eva B. Frink Swertfager. He grew up in Norwich and was a 1943 graduate of the Norwich High School. Soon after his graduation he entered the United States Air Force serving his country from 1943 until his honoraable discharge in 1946. While serving his country he was a naval aviator and was the radio operator. Returning home in 1946 he began a long time career with the NYS Conservation Dept. He started out with the gang building truck trails for the NYS Conservation Dept. and worked his way up to a Forest Ranger working out of the Sherburne office at Rogers Conservation. His territory coverd Chenango and Madison Counties. He retired in 1980 with the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid being his last assingment. Following his retirement Leland worked as a custodian for the 60 plus as well as the First Baptist Church.

Leland was a wonderful father and a good man to all who knew him. He lived his life with quiet dignity and grace. It goes without saying he was a lover of the outdoors and all it had to offer. He enjoyed his hunting and tending to his vegetable and flower gardens. A well read man, Leland would always have an opinion on any topic you wanted to discuss. Even though he would sometimes complain about the Norwich area, he always had its best interest at heart. He loved the history of Norwich and the surrounding area and also loved the Civil War.

On June 18, 1949 in Norwich he married Shirley Thorpe who passed away Aug. 9, 1998.

Leland is survived by his children; Susan Lipinoga of Moravia, John (Nancy) Swertfager of Norwich and David (Penny Ashton) Swertfager of Dansville, his sister Mary Genung of Oxford, his grandchildren; Julia (Morgan) Thompson of Ithaca, Sarah Gallo and partner Emily Gallo of Philadelphia, Christopher Lipinoga of Moravia, Danielle (Joseph) Nolan of Edmeston, Heather Crandall of Montery, CA and Eric Swertfager of Dansville. Also survivng are his great grandchildren Sebastion Aceto, Mateo Gallo and Colin James Nolan, several nieces and nephews, his brother-in-law John Dolan and sisters-in-laws Sally Swertfager and Mary louise Awertfager.

Besides his wife Shirley, Leland was predeceased by his sisters Matilda and Dorothy and his brothers Fred, Charles (Chic), Hugh, Ed and James.

Leland’s family would like to extend a special thank you to these special people, Betty New who has been a very close friend for many years, his caregiver Helena Conroy and his nephew Chuck Swertfager.

A celebration of Leland’s life will be held on Sat. June 2, from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 pm from his home at 7 Hickory St., Norwich. All are welcome. There will be no calling hours.

Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.

Arrangements are by the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home.