Obituary of Neil S. Swingruber, Sr.

Neil S. Swingruber, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center Hospital on January 15, 2021.  He was born on September 13, 1938 in Utica, New York to the late Stuart and Esther (Dowsland) Swingruber.  Neil graduated from Westmoreland High School and the State University of New York at Cortland where he was the first in his family to obtain a college degree, laying the foundation for all of his children and grandchildren to do the same.  Early in his career, he was school principal at the Edinburgh Common School and later a teacher and coach for many years at Broadalbin Central School District.  

In August 1958 he married Doreen Ryan, embarking on a loving relationship that endured for over 62 years.  Neil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and son; he was a pillar of strength and consummate provider and protector.  Above all else, Neil enjoyed spending time with his wife and family going on vacations, getting together for holidays, watching his children and grandchildren participate in countless athletic and other activities or simply having a beer and debating world events.  He was anticipating with immense pride the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Sophie.  He was a talented athlete and a beloved and compassionate teacher.  He was one of a kind.

Neil is survived by his wife, Doreen; his son, Neil S. Swingruber, Jr. of Menands, New York; his daughter and son-in-law, Jill Swingruber-Sprotbery and Kent Sprotbery of Glenville, New York; his grandchildren Ryan and spouse Alli, Anthony and spouse Julia, Bradley and spouse Laurie, Sean, Sara, Trey, Sam, Emma and Nate; his two great-granddaughters Sidney and Sophie; his sister and brother-in-law, Judy (Swingruber) and Fred Bachmann; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Betty Ryan.

Virtual services will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Other arrangements have been made by the Glenville Funeral Home, Glenville, New York.  Online condolences may be sent to www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.st.jude.org/donate in Neil’s memory.