Matthew J. Swanhart

Matthew J. Swanhart, of 108 Lilly Drive, Ithaca, passed away at the University Hospital in Cleveland on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the age of 54.

Born in Trumansburg on March 10, 1959, Matt was the son of Richard and Susanne (Slocum). He worked for several years at Polysteel before taking a job at Ithaca College as a facilities attendant.

Matt loved spending times outdoors fishing, hunting, trapping, and ice fishing. He was an avid coin collector, enjoyed tinkering with all types of motors and putting together model cars. Family and close friends lovingly referred to Matt as “Rug,” a nickname that was given to him at a young age.

Matt is survived by his wife, Dedra Austic Swanhart; two daughters, Karyn and Miranda Swanhart; mother, Susanne Swanhart; five brothers, Mark (Barb), Mitch (Mary), Miles (Kathy), Morgan (LuAnn), and Mason (Julie); and many nieces and nephews. Matt was preceded in death by his father, Richard Swanhart in 2012.

The family will be present to receive friends from 1:00 to 4:00pm on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to remember Matt in the form of a contribution to kindly consider the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.