Kent Douglas Swartz

Kent D. Swartz, 86, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026. He was born and raised in Carlisle, PA, to the late Douglas and Virginia Swartz. He graduated from Carlisle High School, served in the U.S. Army, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University.

Kent dedicated his career to parks and recreation and operated his own business for decades, selling countless children’s playgrounds throughout Pennsylvania and Florida. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed coaching youth and adult men’s baseball teams in Naples, FL, for many years. Kent always tried to find ways to help others and was instrumental in helping many student-athletes obtain baseball scholarships to various colleges in the early 1990s. Although his greatest joy was raising his sons, Kent had a passion for travel and was always planning his next visit to tropical destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman. He never met a stranger and was known for his warm conversation and playful sense of humor. He loved music and was always on the lookout for live performances—especially reggae.

He is survived by his son, Steven Swartz of Bonita Springs, FL; his son Daniel Swartz, his wife Nicole and their daughter, Whitney of Naples, FL; and his sister, Vicki Wright, her husband Dick and nephew, Sean of Middletown, PA. Other survivors include his former spouse, Joanne Noble who remained a lifelong friend; and a special niece, Gina Paddock. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing in his honor.