Obituary of Ernest W. Swayze

ERNEST W. SWAYZE, was born in Cazenovia, New York on July 22, 1923. He retired from Carrier Corporation (UTC) as a manufacturing engineer after 33 years. He was educated at Syracuse University as a certified professional engineer. Ernest served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theatre spending time in England, France, Belgium and Germany as well as D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star for valor during his service. Ernie was a life member of the Syracuse Sail and Power Squadron and held a full certificate, served as the Commander in 1964-65 and held many other offices but was primarily interested in their education programs serving as their Squadron Education Officer for many years. He and his family boated on the water of New York State for over 20 years. He and his wife Bernice also camped their way across the United States several times. He loved travel and photography. He moved to Belfast 5 ½ years ago after summering here for 25 years from his home in N. Syracuse, New York. - a home he had cut apart, moved and rebuilt 50 miles away when he was first married. Ernie loved to spend time working in his shop on electrical and woodworking projects. In later years he embraced the computer, running a computer club in Zephyrhills, Florida at Hunter’s Run where he and Bernice wintered for almost 20 years. He helped raise money there for Meals-on-Wheels. Ernest was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Bernice (Bierman) Swayze and a sister, Jean LaMora. He is survived by his daughter, Diane Allmayer-Beck of Belfast; son Stephen “Steve” Swayze of Belmont; his grandchildren Michael E. Tegtmeyer of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Laura M. Tegtmeyer of San Jose, CA and Parker G. Swayze of Camden, Maine; his brother Roger L. Swayze of Elbridge, NY and sisters, Joyce Douglas of East Syracuse, NY, Joanne Goettle of Brewerton, NY, Judy Baker of East Syracuse, NY, Janet Harrington of Brewerton, NY, Jill Swayze of Baldwinsville, NY; several nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to Waldo County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 407, Belfast, ME 04915 or Belfast Soup Kitchen. A memorial mass will be held 9 a.m. Friday, June 17th at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Court Street, Belfast. A memorial service in Syracuse will be held at St. Patrick's in Jordan, NY. Interment will be at Maine Veterans Cemetery on July 26th at 10 a.m. Arrangements are under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.