Wayne W. Swartwood

Wayne W. Swartwood, a life-long resident of Trumansburg, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at the age of 82.

Wayne was born in Ithaca on November 20, 1931, a son of the late Percy and Norma (Wooden) Swartwood. After graduating high school, Wayne joined the United State Army serving during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged, he returned back to the Trumansburg area. He was employed by the Ithaca City School District as a maintenance man, working there until the time of his death.

Wayne was a phenomenal musician, mastering the pedal steel guitar. He began playing in the 1950’s, performing with a variety of bands including Shy Shields, Tex Rowe, Big Timber, and the San Antones. Wayne’s accomplishments were recently recognized as he was inducted into the Cortland Country Music Hall of Fame.

When he wasn’t performing, Wayne could be found at Cornell University supporting various sports teams. He also enjoyed fishing, flying model planes, and gardening; always making sure plenty of potatoes were planted.

Wayne is survived by his wife of over 40 years Doris Swartwood; two step children, Ed (Debbie) Kelley and Pam (Dave) Staub; grandson, Edward; great grandson, Ryan; nephew, Pete (Nancy) Swartwood; and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond and Lawrence Swartwood.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Friday, December 6, 2013 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 7, 2013 in Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg.

In recognition of Wayne’s devotion to and enjoyment of Big Red Athletics, the family requests that gifts in his memory be contributed to Cornell Athletics and mailed to: Teagle Hall, Campus Road, Ithaca NY 14853-6501, Attn: John Webster.

For additional information, please contact the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St, Trumansburg at 1-888-534-5446 or www.ness-sibley.com.