Born on October 7, 1940, in Wellsville, he was a son of E.
LaRue and Vivian P. Robinson Swift. On
April 7, 1962, he married the former Earletta M. Hobbs who survives.
Jerry graduated from Friendship Central Schools Class of
1958. He spent two years in the Army at
Fort Benning, Georgia. His entire
working career was spent with the United States Postal Service. He retired in April of 2007 with 48 years of
service, spending the last 30 years as Postmaster of the Friendship office.
Jerry’s greatest love was the game of baseball and the New
York Yankees. He was a left-handed
pitcher and first baseman in high school and on the Alle-Catt League.
He went on to share his love of baseball by coaching many
young people in Allegany County including Little League, Babe Ruth, Junior
Legion as well as All Star teams in those categories. He also managed the Friendship Flyers in the
Alle-Catt League.
In recognition of his efforts Jerry was awarded the “Guy
Debo Memorial Award” for unselfish outstanding leadership with young players in
the Buffalo News Suburban Baseball Association.
Jerry was a life member and Past Commander of the Friendship
American Legion where he also was instrumental in forming the Sons of the
American Legion Division.
Surviving in addition to his wife Earletta are a son, LaRue
E. “Sam” (Rebecca Dunham) Swift; 3 Grandchildren, Danielle (Chris) Cupples, Michelle
(Gregg) Donica and Stacey Dunham; 5 great grandchildren, Luke Swift, Lily Cupples, Jackson Donica, Samantha Dunham and
Gregory Dunham; a brother Mark (Connie) Emery; a sister, Judy Roofner;
sister-in-law Julie Emery; Six nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his
parents and a brother Bruce Emery.
Friends may call at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home &
Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street Cuba on Sunday, November 10, 2019 from
2-4 p.m. and on Monday, November 11, 2019 from 10-11:00 a.m. at which time
funeral services will be held. The Rev. Kirk Kirch will officiate.
Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship. Full military honors will be accorded by
members of Friendship American Legion Post 1168.
Memorials may be made to the Friendship Little League, c/o
Jeff Marks, 9 West Main Street, Friendship, NY 14739. Online condolences may be
sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
