Joseph Peter "Pete" Swartz
January 28, 1964 ~ May 26, 2022
Joseph Peter “Pete” Swartz, 58, Beech Grove, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer May 26, 2022. Pete was born in Beech Grove on January 28, 1964, to the late Roy M. Swartz, Jr. and Norma J. (Williams) Swartz.
He graduated from Holy Name Grade School, Roncalli High School in 1982, and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Indianapolis in 1986. Pete always excelled in football and wrestling as a student. A lifelong educator, coach, and advocate for children, he enjoyed a successful teaching and coaching career in Louisiana, Kentucky, and locally in the Decatur Township and Center Grove School systems. While in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Pete’s coaching skills led to a state championship. He went back to school to during his career to become a special education teacher.
Pete lived by four very important words: NEVER EVER GIVE UP. Above all, Pete was strongly devoted to his family and his faith. His greatest hobby was cheering on his children at their various sporting events. Pete was a history buff and enjoyed watching black and white movies and sports, especially college football. His hard work ethic, determination, and dedication to his family will never be forgotten. In 2004, Pete was honored as a Red Cross recipient for the State of Indiana, being credited for bravely saving the lives of a family who crashed into an icy pond on Indianapolis’ southside. Pete’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving family, former students, players, and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Peter “JP” Swartz, II and a brother, Steve Swartz.
Survivors include his wife, Ronda Asher-Swartz, to whom he was united in marriage May 10, 2002; children, Mary Katherine “Katie” Swartz, Luke Michael Swartz, and Lucy Ann Swartz; sister, MaryAnn (Jerry) Hubbs and Sandy (Gary) Clark; step-mother, Dorine Swartz; many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Pete’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 4 to 7 p.m., at the O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Prayers will begin there on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m., in St. Jude Catholic Church, of which Pete was a member. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Roncalli High School or to the Catholic Youth Organization. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign Pete’s online guest registry.
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With Deepest Sympathy
The first time I saw Pete & Rhonda it was at a ballgame as an opponent……he ‘cheered’ louder than me. When I learned his kids were going to St Jude the next year; I wasn’t sure how it would be on the bleachers with such a voice…..well I loved it–he said those thing I wanted to say ….but it might not be lady like for me. Somehow there was a kinship instantly with the family! Save a seat for us all Pete…you have your heavenly reward ahead of us.❤️
A lot of great memories from back in the day. Rest In Peace old buddy. Condolences to the family. T House
I remember when i met Pete, Rhonda and Luke and later little Lucy Ann came along. You see i bought the house across the street (Cleveland st . separates us ) Friends since 2005. I couldn’t ask for better neighbors .(Thanks Pete for letting me have free will of you and your dads tools . Soooo many tools. ) lots of story’s lol . I’ll alway cherish them. I will miss you and your powerful voice. As i always have and you know this .. i will continue to look out help in anyway that Rhonda and the kids may need and still give treats and love to Zeus . Neighbors til the end my friend and in the next .
The year my dad was sick and dying of cancer himself (2013), I brought my kids over to swim a lot that summer. Pete would always grill out hot dogs for us ☺️ They lived close to my parent’s house and they would always have me leave my kids there for a little bit so I could spend a little one on one time with my dad. It’s something I will always cherish and never forget. I can’t repay them for those moments I had with my dad and I’m so very sorry that they are suffering this loss.
I frist met Pete at Decatur middle school. Where we all worked ‘they both were very nice people’ he will surely be missed.!
I worked with Pete and Rhonda at Decatur Middle School. I thought it was wonderful when he and Rhonda found each other- both teachers and both so sweet. Pete could always make me smile. He was so positive. My deepest sympathy goes out to Rhonda and the children. Lori Terkhorn
With deepest sympathy,
Rhonda, I am so sorry to hear this news. I know this has been a journey for all. Love and prayers, Mary Pat Sharpe
For a few years Mr. Swartz’s classroom was across from mine at the Middle School and a few of my students went to his classroom for pull-out special education services. I would pop into his classroom frequently to discuss each of my student’s progress. He was always pleased to have me visit and we worked collaboratively to ensure each child’s success. I will always remember him as a caring and supportive educator. Rhonda, I’m so sorry for your loss. May you and your children and family feel love and peace as you travel this journey of healing.
I recall Pete from Holy Name grade school. He was a couple classes behind me but he always wanted to compete with the older kids. RIP Pete.
I ran track with Pete and enjoyed his company. Very funny upbeat. I wasn’t aware of his illness. So sorry. Great guy!!
Look to the hills from which all your help comes. ALL of your help comes from the Lord! Love you, RoRo!
From the Martinez family.
Ronda and Family, We were so sad to hear about Pete’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathies and warmest condolences, The Bigelow Family (from IHM)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Prayers for peace, strength, and comfort. We love you.
May these flowers offer a little light during these difficult times With deepest sympathy,
Pete was an amazing man and coach. We were blessed to have known him and call him our friend. You are all in our prayers.
So sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. It was a pleasure serving him at FPN during these last months of his battle. I looked forward to sharing a few moments of the day with him. I remember him bringing in copies of an image that he wanted other patients & families to be reminded: to NEVER GIVE UP. He insisted on them placed where anyone could see it….and take a copy with them! May you feel peace & comfort knowing that he’s at eternal rest now. Shalom – Peace be with you. Susana A FPN Indpls
His 1st year as a coach at Bowling Green High was 1991 when I was a senior linebacker. Pete was our strength coach and he was a tough, but fair coach. He single handedly transformed and built the weight room at BGHS. He put in so much work. Had us push the car all summer loaded with weights and then he’d apply the brakes and laugh. Toughest thing I had ever done physically at that point but now I look back on it and am grateful. He was serious, no non-sense, but had a great sense of humor. I’ll never forget that run we made that year, further than any BG team had ever gone up to that point….. and Pete was a huge part of that. RIP Coach.
I just found out about Coach Swartz’s passing back in May. There’s just too many great things to say on his tribute wall. Pure/sheer toughness and a huge heart for kids. He changed so many lives, shaped so many boys into men. Coach Swartz started coaching/strength conditioning at Bowling Green High School my freshman year, 1991. To this day his voice still rings in my head when I face any kind of trial, whether it be wrestling with something heavy, exhausted and ready for bed but still need to finish whatever I’m doing or giving my dad a Coach Swartz pep talk when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 3.5 years ago. He is the coach I wish every kid could have in their lives whether they play sports or not. He was that kind of Coach. I cherish the memory of pushing that car with his big head sticking out the driver’s window yelling for me to keep pushing, don’t give up! The Coach Swartz stories from all of his players could fill up books. The foundation of success at the Bowling Green High School football program can largely be attributed to Coach Pete Swartz. Coach, I love you and everything you did meant something. Thank you for being there for us. Bobby Warwick BGHS Senior class 1995