Lionel Sweitzer

Mr. Lionel A. Sweitzer passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 1, 2016 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 28, 1931 in Swanton, MD.

Lionel is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Smith Swietzer; his son Craig E. Kershow and wife Pat of Stanton, KY; his daughters Karen A. Towles and husband Ray of Pelahatchie, MS, and Carolyn E. Valanidas and husband Peter of Monrovia, MD; his grandchildren Saundra Towles, Maggie Valanidas, Sarah Brown and husband Terry, Seth Kershow, and Jonah Kershow; and his great grandchildren Caden, Christian, Paige, Madelyn, and Elin. He is also survived by his sister Maxine Sweitzer of Cumberland, MD. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Inez Sweitzer; and his brother Richard Sweitzer.

Lionel retired after 30 years of service with the Smithsonian Institution, retiring from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as Building Manager. He loved listening to music and watching boxing. He was an avid gardener that enjoyed the outdoors, especially visiting the beach with his wife at their vacation home in Florida. He always had a "project" going and he could fix anything. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was loved by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD, on Sunday January 10 from 1:00 to 3:00, followed by a memorial service at 3:00.

Online condolences to www.staufferfuneralhome.com