Rev. William R. “Bill” Swisher, Jr., 87 of Hanover, PA, passed away at his home on May 5, 2025, after a long illness. Born March 23, 1938, in Hanover, he was the son of the late William R. & Elsie (Zepp) Swisher, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Annabelle L. (Gouker) Swisher. Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Lancaster Theological Seminary, a Master of Education Degree from Shippensburg University, and a Master of Regional Planning Degree from Penn State University. His Pastoral Positions included St. Paul-Harbaugh Charge UCC in Waynesboro, PA, The Church of the Apostles UCC in Waynesboro, First UCC in Carlisle, PA, Director of Small Church Project United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, and Director of the Local Church in Life and Mission Project Penn Northeast Conference UCC. He also had direct relations with 78 congregations in the Central and Northern Associations of the Penn Central Conference UCC, administrative responsibilities for Worship Ministries of Penn Central Conference, and partnership relations with the EKU(German Church) and the Dakota Association(American Indian). Bill was a member of Trinity UCC in Gettysburg. He and his wife Annabelle volunteered for 15 years at Give Kids The World organization in Florida. Bill enjoyed traveling, especially with his grandchildren, and photography. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Dr. Loice Swisher and her husband William Middleton of Sanford, FL and a son, William R. Swisher, III and his wife Dr. Laurie Swisher of Celebration, FL and three grandchildren, Victoria Middleton, Ida Swisher and William R. Swisher, IV. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Trinity UCC, 60 East High St., Gettysburg, PA, with Revs. Frederick Young and George Heberling, officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 1:30-2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity UCC, 60 East High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325. The Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online tributes and condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
