Bruce Howard Swank

THE FOLLOWING OBITUARY WAS LOVINGLY SUBMITTED BY THE FAMILY OF

BRUCE HOWARD SWANK

BRUCE HOWARD SWANK passed away at the age of 81 peacefully at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland on February 22, 2022.  He was born on September 11, 1940 in Weatherly, Pennsylvania to the late Howard Martin Swank and Ruth Emma Swank (Croman).  After graduating from Weatherly High School in 1958, Bruce enlisted in the United States Army where he served three years in Korea as a chaplain’s assistant until 1961 and continued his service in the United States Army Reserves until 1964.  In 1962, Bruce became a police officer for the Metropolitan Police Department where he worked until 1986, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1977, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Administration of Justice from American University.

After retiring from the police department, Bruce co-founded B&B Home Repair and Remodeling with a fellow officer.  After many years in the home repair business, he began a third career as a property maintenance manager. Most recently he provided these services for Exeter Property Group until his death.

In his free time, Bruce was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved nothing more than hunting and fishing with his family and friends, taking numerous fishing trips to Alaska and hunting trips out west.  He also enjoyed traveling with his companion, Julie, and watching his grandkids’ sporting events and activities.  He had a passion for reading and photography; a book and a camera were always nearby.  He was a member of the Berwyn Rod & Gun Club, the Association for Retired Police Officers and Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Bruce is survived by his longtime companion, Julie Chen, of Silver Spring, MD; his two sons, Martin Swank (Colleen) of Mt. Airy, MD and Darrin Swank (Jodi) of Loxahatchee, FL; his daughter, Melanie Wilhelm (Andrew) of Yardley, PA; his daughter in law, Tammy Swank of Roanoke, VA; his sister, Joan Hittinger of Weatherly, PA; twelve grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his son, Gary Swank, MD, and his brother, Donald Swank.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13611 Laurel Bowie Rd., Laurel, MD 20708. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bruce’s memory to Our Savior Lutheran Church.