Ethel Marie Swisher [DiRienzo] 95, beloved spouse of the late Robert A. Swisher Sr. [1928- 2011], passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Merry Heart Senior Health Care Center, Succasunna New Jersey. She was born on October 4, 1929, the youngest daughter of eight children to Mary Haffey and Pasquale [Patrick] DiRienzo in Atlas, Pennsylvania.
Ethel is Mother to Robert A. Swisher Jr, of Hackettstown, NJ, the late Lawrence N. [1957-1997] of Austin, TX, and Daniel J. of Newnan, GA. She is Grandmother to Robert A. Swisher III of NC, Stephen N., Christopher D., Melanie V., Michelle S., and David A. who all reside in GA. At a youthful age, Ethel’s family relocated to Hackettstown where her Mother and Father built and operated a family tavern restaurant and a small carpentry business on Rt.46. Ethel was a 1947 honor graduate of Hackettstown High School and later a secretary at the former Lackawanna Leather Company while still a young resident. She married Robert Swisher, a packaging industry designer and executive, on January 12, 1952, later relocating to various homesteads in Gladstone, West Springfield, MA, Brookside, Chester, Long Valley and back to Hackettstown [Mansfield Twp.], NJ for her retirement years. Throughout her married life Ethel was a dedicated Wife, Mother, and homemaker raising her three devoted sons. As a Religious person, Ethel was a model of kindness, caring, and generosity, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her Family was always at the forefront, and She was there for all of us in time of need. Ethel was the last surviving member of the original DiRienzo Family and will be perpetually missed by all.
The viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
A Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Mountain Roman Catholic Church, 2E. Springtown Road Long Valley, NJ 07853. The burial will be immediately following the mass at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 85 Pleasant Hill Road, Chester, NJ 07893.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 047840. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Merry Heart Senior Health Care Center, 118 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876, merryheart.com in Ethel’s name. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/
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Previous Cox, Esther “Essie”
Next Ritner, Kathryn
Bobby says
June 9, 2025 at 6:51 pmI Love You Mom. Thank you for Everything You did for Me and My Sons. You are with Dad and Larry now. XOX
Kathleen Ball says
June 10, 2025 at 1:30 amI was fortunate to meet your Mom and we had some nice conversations. Your Mom like mine was from an era that we will never see again. They were the best of Moms and a love for their chlldren that we knew we were loved and could go to them for anything. I wish for you and Danny to think of the great memories and smile as that is what your Mom would like..Bob you have been a great and loving son to her and your Mom will take that with her. . Bless you and Danny.
Steve S. says
June 10, 2025 at 4:15 pmAlways in our hearts, and forever remembered. You were a gift to us all. Thank you for everything, Grammy. Rest in peace
Pamela Jacobs says
June 10, 2025 at 11:11 pmI am a CNA at Merry Heart Nursing home and have known her for several years. She always had nice things to say about the scrubs I wore. She was a pleasant person to take care of and I will miss her very much. God bless Bob and Danny and help them with their loss. Love you Ethel, rest in peace.
Bob and Dan Swisher says
July 12, 2025 at 5:54 pmThank You for your Kindness and Caring for Mom. She always felt safe when you were there on duty. We Appreciate all you did for Mom along with the rest of the Staff at Merry Heart. End of an Era losing Our Mom.
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