Clair “Jay” Sweitzer

Clair “Jay” Sweitzer, Jr., 94, of Summerville passed away Friday, June 26, 2026 following a period of declining health.

Born on November 28, 1931 in Limestone TWP. Clarion County, he was the son of the late Clair and Mabel Eshbaugh Ferringer Sweitzer.

He was a 1949 graduate of Summerville High School.

Jay proudly and honorably served his country from 1951 -1955in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. During his time in the service he trained and attended Engineman’s school at the Great Lakes Training Center.  He then was stationed in Guam, Japanfor 18 months where he worked on the ships engines and was in charge of the 30 caliber machine guns.  He was also stationed in Coronado, California where he ended up spending 6 months in the Naval hospital after fracturing his ankle.  While in the naval hospital, they even had him making Q-tips and sharpening hypodermic needles.   He was then honorably discharged with the rank of Engineman 2nd Class USN1 on April 21, 1955.

On September 28, 1958 in Kenmore, NY he married the former Jean Zittel (who preceded him in death) and while working at Ashland Oil they raised their three daughters in Tonawanda, NY before being transferred to Ashland, Kentucky in 1983.  He thenreturned back to Summerville after he retired from Ashland Oil in 1994.

He was currently president of West View Cemetery Association and was a lifetime member of the NRA.

His pastimes included hunting, cooking, history and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

His survivors include his 3 daughters, Norma Farruggia, Marla (John) Duerr and Jeanine (Ronald) Peterman; his grandchildren, Russell (Chelsea), Christopher, Nicholas (Desiree), Benjamin, Mollie (Jeffrey), and Alex; his great grandchildren, Helena Reiand Marceline Claire; his brother, Russ (Sherry) Sweitzer and his sister, Carla Sweitzer.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his step mother, Betty Sweitzer; his son-in-law, Robin Farruggia; and his brothers, Firman “Gus’, Ronald and WayneSweitzer.

Jay’s daughters would like to thank all of his family members and close friends who cared for him and made it possible for him to live his life to it’s fullest and who helped care for him this past year – especially the associates at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, McAuley Residence, McAuley Seton Homecare and Mercy Homecare.  Your kindness, compassion and quality care will never be forgotten.

His family will receive friends on Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 6-8PM at Furlong Funeral Home, 50 Broad St., Summerville, PA.

A funeral service will be held Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11AM at the funeral home.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be accorded at West View Cemetery, Clover TWP., Jefferson County for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The Foundation of Catholic Health – Home and Community Based Care.  Friends and family may leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, share a memory and obtain additional information by visiting www.furlongfuneralhome.com 

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