Walter Allen Swesky

Kent, OH – Walter Allen Swesky, 84, passed away surrounded by family after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Born in Washington, PA on April 25, 1941 to the late Walter and Julia Swesky, he spent his younger years helping with the family business, City Beer Distributing.

Walt initially studied mechanical engineering at Villanova University before being drafted into the service. Walt was a veteran of the Army Security Agency (ASA), where he specialized in military communications and Morse code. After his service, he graduated from Robert Morris Junior College, earning an Associate of Business degree. He spent a career in retail operations management at JC Penney’s and Altmeyer’s Home Stores.

In 1969, Walt married Donna Lynn Doutt. They made their home in Lower Burrell, PA, raising their family before retiring first to Gibsonia, PA and then to St. Augustine, FL, where they remained for the next 14 years. In 2023, they relocated to Kent, OH to be closer to family.

Walt spent his time reading, watching and playing golf, listening to jazz, watching Steelers football and Villanova basketball, and tinkering with gadgets and electronics. He especially loved spending time with his family, whether rooting on the Steelers during a Sunday football game, celebrating holidays and birthdays, watching his grandson’s performances, or enjoying a fun martini.

He was a devout Catholic and most recently a member of University Parish Newman Center in Kent.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Julia Swesky; and sister, Janice Morrison. Survived by his beloved wife, Donna, of nearly 57 years; daughter, Tracie (Thomas) Arnold of Stow, OH; son, Jeffrey (Bridget) Swesky of Traverse City, MI; brother, Robert (Joyce) Swesky of Washington, PA as well as his one and only grandson, Griffin Arnold.

Friends may be received at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240 on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM and Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 9:00AM followed by a funeral service at 10:00AM.

In honoring his wishes, Walt will be cremated following services and will be laid to rest at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walt’s memory to the American Cancer Society - American Cancer Society.

Services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.