Obituary of Jerry R. Swormstedt

Jerry R. Swormstedt died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 4, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio at the age of 80. Jerry is survived by his wife of 21 years Joan, son Tedd and his wife Pam Kalkhoff, grandchildren Ted, Brad, Carly, Jenna, Alexandra, Samantha, daughter in-law Cindy Swormstedt, step-daughters Sheelah (Tom) Buse, children Grace and Caroline; Patti (David) Stephas, children Sam Cooler, Kevin Cooler and Bridget; and step-son Sean (Elaine) O'Donnell, children Erin and Ryan. He is preceded in death by his first wife Betty and son Scott. Jerry is remembered as a kind and loving man whose accomplishments spanned both his personal and professional life. A 1956 graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism, he joined ST Publications in 1959 as an Assistant Editor for Signs of the Times magazine. In 1970, he became editorial director of Signs of the Times, Screen Printing and Display World magazine (currently VMSD magazine) and in 1979, he became the publisher of Signs of the Times. In 1992, following the retirement of his older brother, the late Dave Reid Swormstedt Jr., Jerry became the president of ST Publications. When Jerry's son Tedd Swormstedt was named president in 1999 (he continues in that role today), Jerry became chair of the board, a role in which he served until he retired in 2005. In a career that spanned 46 years, Jerry was quite active in the sign industry, as evidenced by his being bestowed with the sign industry’s highest honor, the Intl. Sign Assn.’s Distinguished Service Award (now known as the Kirk Brimley Distinguished Service Award) in 1994. Jerry served as judge in ISA’s annual sign-design contest more than a dozen times between 1970 and 1994. In his native Cincinnati (OH) area, he served as the secretary for both the Sign Contractors of Greater Cincinnati association and Associated Sign Industries of Ohio (which grew into the current Midwest Sign Assn. in 1986), the latter for more than a decade. But perhaps his best legacy is that of his wonderful family and his community. Jerry was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and for more than ten years served as a volunteer fireman in Mariemont. He was the local amateur herpetologist and was frequently called upon to handle any incidents involving snakes or other reptiles. His love for trains led to his volunteer work at Entertrainment Junction in West Chester. He was an avid golfer, albeit not his strong suit and he loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved the outdoors, especially Hilton Head Island, SC, where he will find his final resting place. Jerry’s outgoing, gregarious personality and hearty laugh, along with his exuberant dancing, will always be remembered as well as his signature catch phrase – “Keep Smiling”. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday April 11 at 1:00pm at Thomas-Justin Memorial, 7500 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45263, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Sign Museum,1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225 or Cincinnati Zoo.