Stephen L. “Steve” Swadley, 71, of Milford, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Bayhealth Sussex Campus, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born Aug. 20, 1954, in Marlinton, West Virginia, Steve was the son of the late Raymond and Vera Swadley. During his childhood, his family relocated to Ocean View, Delaware, where he spent much of his youth before graduating from Easton High School in 1972.
A lifelong learner with a passion for education, Steve attended West Virginia University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication along with master’s degrees in special education and history. Throughout his career, he taught in several school districts at both the elementary and secondary levels, dedicating himself to helping students reach their potential. He believed deeply in the power of education and took great pride in making a positive difference in the lives of those he taught.
In 2013, Steve retired from Polytech High School, where he served as a driver’s education teacher, helping generations of students safely navigate the road ahead.
Outside the classroom, Steve was an active member of the Milford Lions Club, where his service to the community earned him the organization’s prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award, one of Lions Clubs International’s highest honors recognizing humanitarian service.
Steve enjoyed a wide variety of interests that reflected his warm personality and curiosity. He was a devoted fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers, loved music, cherished time spent at the beach, and maintained a lifelong fascination with history. Above all, he will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and ability to brighten any room with a smile, a joke, or a well-told story.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pamm Swadley; his daughters, Stephanie Swadley and her husband, John Wendel, and Beth Swadley and her partner, Tony Pallanta; his beloved grandchildren, Reagan and Archer Wendel; his sister, Deborah Engel and her husband, Kenneth; his niece, Sarah Engel; and his nephew, Tyler Lewis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Vera Swadley, and his younger sister, Roberta “Bobbie” Lewis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cure HHT, which supports research and advocacy for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, or to the Brandywine SPCA in Steve’s memory.
