Walter Wm. (Kit) Swartz

OSWEGO – Walter Wm. (Kit) Swartz died on 10 December 2025 following a long series of illnesses.  Kit’s latter days are well described in this Scripture passage, “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.  For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  Also this: “That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies” – 1 Corinthians 15:36. Flower and vegetable gardening were, thus, a favorite pastime.  Kit was like a caterpillar transformed into a chrysalis, dying to what he was in himself and being fully prepared for what he will be in Christ at His coming to make all things new and perfected.  In the meantime, Kit rejoices with the spirits of those perfected by grace in Christ, praising God and eagerly waiting for his bodily resurrection in Him (Hebrews 12:23).  Though dead, he still preaches! (Hebrews 11:4).

Kit was born in Scranton, PA on 9 March 1954.  He was raised in Chinchilla, PA and in the United Methodist Church in that village including choirs and Boy Scouts where he attained Eagle Scout thanks mostly to his mother’s persistence.  He enjoyed Abington Heights Schools, especially the band, choral and theater programs.  He was privileged to serve as the marching band drum major from the 8th to the 12th grades and then for three years at Syracuse University (1976; B.S., Biology).  While in Syracuse, he was blessed to become a part of The Reformed Presbyterian Church there.  He graduated from the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (1979; M.Div.) and assisted in planting a congregation in Oswego while interning at the Syracuse RPC.  The Oswego RPC was organized in 1980 and Kit was called, ordained and installed as Pastor-Teacher in that congregation where he served until 2020.  The Lord graciously used the Oswego RPC to plant churches in Fulton, NY and in the Utica, NY area in the 1990s.  The joy of Kit’s pastoral ministry was to preach the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ who, for all who trust Him, pays off the debt of their sin and death with His sacrifice on the cross and pays up the dues of their righteousness and life with His perfect obedience.  His special delight was studying the text of the Bible in order to teach it for the equipping of the people entrusted to his pastoral care.  Kit could not have survived life and ministry without the steadfast companionship of his wife, Karen, the gracious love of his children and the support of many people in the congregation and presbytery as well as many friends in the local churches and community.  He pleads with all that his faithfulness would be remembered, his many weaknesses forgotten and all his offences forgiven.

Kit was predeceased by his parents Walter and Harriett Swartz.  He is survived by his loving wife, Karen, and their beloved children, Nadia (Chris) Davis and their children Maisie and Hendrix; Paul (Rebecca) Swartz and their daughter Cara and Tanya (Isaac Gabel-Frank) Swartz and their boys Haadi and Cilvin as well as Kit’s sister Kathryn (John) Hart.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 AM on 15 December 2025 at Oswego Alliance Church with burial following in the natural burial section of Riverside Cemetery.  Kit’s body will be planted like a seed in the confident expectation of his physical resurrection at Christ’s coming.  Arrangements are under the thoughtful care of the Nelson Funeral Home.  Memorial gifts may be sent to The St. Lawrence Presbytery Central Library and Archives Fund, c/o RPC Fulton, 207 S. 1st St. or to The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 7418 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA  15208; www.rpts.edu.

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