Robert John Swissler

Robert "Bob" Swissler, 88, a dedicated educator, public servant, and beloved family man, passed away October 5th, 2026.

Born in 1938 in Haddonfield, New Jersey, to Philip and Marie Swissler, pursued his higher education across the river in Philadelphia, graduating from St. Joseph's University. He received a M. Ed. From Rutgers University, followed by doctoral studies at Rutgers and SUNY Buffalo.

In the 1960s, Bob began his professional journey in the classroom, serving as a teacher and assistant guidance counselor at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He transitioned to the New Jersey Department of Education, where he served six NJ governors and seven commissioners of education in a state career spanning three decades, ultimately as Assistant Commissioner of Education. He was a familiar presence at the NJ State House, advising the Governor's office and hundreds of state senators and members of the general assembly regarding educational policy and NJ state school financial aid. After retiring from the state government, Swissler was the Executive Director of the NJ Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools, and the Council of NJ County Special Services School Districts.

Above all, Bob was anchored by his deep love for his family. He was predeceased by his first wife, Sally Ryan Swissler of Phillipsburg, NJ, his parents, Philip and Marie Swissler of Haddonfield, and by his siblings, Philip Swissler of Chelmsford, MA, and Mary Rita Doorley; of Lima, OH.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon McAtee Swissler; and his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren: Amy Swissler Hutnik, husband Bill and grandchildren Daisy and Chance.; and Rebecca Swissler Murphy, husband Mark, and grandchildren Hugh and Margaret. His four grandchildren have each been an absolute joy of his life, more than they can imagine. He will always be their "Bapa" who loves them dearly.

His is also survived by his brother, Thomas J. Swissler and wife Barbara, as well as his brother-in-law, Dan McAtee, and sister-in-law, Betsy and husband Joe Rybczinski. All of his family have been loved dearly and provided him a lifetime of companionship, happiness and fun.

Bob spent many years in the Lambertville/Pennington/Hopewell NJ areas, and lived most recently in Washington Crossing, PA, which he often described as the best move he and Sharon made upon retirement. He and Sharon also maintain a residence in Bellair, FL, which kept Bob close to his beloved Phillies spring training in Clearwater. He enjoyed reading, travel, bocce, fishing, boating and entertaining visiting family and friends. He was a year-round sports fan and a lifetime sports fan - Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, St. Joe's Hawks, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Viewing will be held Friday from 9:00-10:30am with Mass of Christian burial being celebrated at 11:00am in St. James Chapel, 6 Eglantine Ave. Pennington, NJ. Burial will follow in Harbourton Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Bob's favorite charity - The Good Counsel Home for young mothers and their babies, located in Riverside NJ.