Charles W. Swindler 1946-2025
CANFIELD — Charles W. “Chuck” Swindler passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Chuck lived a life marked by devotion to faith and family and a belief that laughter belonged in every day. As a husband, brother, father and grandfather, he gave generously of his time, his heart, and of course, his legendary quick wit.
Chuck was born Sept. 8, 1946, in Youngstown and was raised in Niles. He was a 1965 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and began his pursuit of higher education at Youngstown State University.
A longtime educator with 44 years of dedicated service, Chuck inspired countless students with his steady encouragement and ability to find teachable moments in even the most ordinary days. His distinguished career included roles as principal at Howland Middle School, superintendent of Western Reserve Local Schools, and graduate-level educator at Youngstown State University. His distinguished career also included serving on the State Superintendent Cabinet, where he contributed his insights and leadership to shape educational policies at a broader level. He carried that same spirit into his personal life, always ready with advice that was thoughtful, grounded and delivered with a smile.
An avid woodworker, he enjoyed building everything, from the house he raised his children in to playing Tinkertoys on the living room carpet with his grandchildren. Sports were also one of his great joys — cheering on his teams with unmatched loyalty. After retirement, he fell in love with golf, embracing the sport with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything he did.
He will be remembered not just for the life he lived, but for the lives he touched. His influence remains in every story retold, every lesson remembered and every laugh shared in his honor.
Chuck is survived by many who will miss him deeply, especially his wife of 57 years, Lois Susan Homsey Swindler; his two children, David (Gina) Swindler and Julie (Eric) Higgins; his grandchildren, Kaitlin Swindler, Ashley Swindler, Elijah Higgins and Samuel Higgins; a sister, Kathy (Mike Lee) Swindler; sister-in-law, Josie Homsey; nieces, Sara Homsey and Dana (Michael) Gierut; and nephew, Michael Homsey; as well as great-nephew, William Gierut, and great-niece, Madelyn Gierut.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lois Jane Swindler; his father- and mother-in-law, Michael P. and Julia Homsey; and brother-in-law, Michael Peter Homsey.
Family and friends may call 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at St. Michael Church, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made, in the name of Charles W. Swindler, to either The International Rett Syndrome Foundation, 4500 Cooper Road, Suite 204, Cincinnati, OH 45242 (online at rettsyndrome.org) or to The Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502 (online at ysufoundation.org by clicking “Give Now” and following the prompts).
Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Chuck’s family.
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