Benjamin M. Swesey, 39

Benjamin M. Swesey, 39, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh following a motor vehicle accident.

Ben was born in Brighton Township on April 1st, 1984. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 2002. Following high school, Ben enlisted with the United States Marine Corps on December 14th, 2002 and served until his honorable discharge on December 29th, 2008 with the rank of Private First Class. He then enlisted with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard where he served until his discharge on August 16th, 2018. Over those years he was awarded the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Ben graduated from the Pittsburgh Technical Institute where he earned his Drafting Certification. He had worked at Koppel Steel and most recently for Medart Inc. in Ellwood City as a drafting engineer. Ben loved riding motorcycles and is a member of the War Dog’s Motorcycle Club, Ellwood City Chapter. He also enjoyed traveling to Colorado, off-roading, and especially time spent with his family and friends.

He is survived by his mother Patrice (Petti) and Mark Safreed of East Palestine, Ohio, father Ron (Lori) Swesey of West Pittsburgh, daughter Emma Swesey of Ellwood City, son Michael Swesey who is currently serving with the United States Marine Corps as did his father, grandmother Antoinette Pansera of Ellwood City, and several aunts and uncles.

Ben was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Michael and Katherine Petti.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday from 4:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 6:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Eric D. “Preacher” Ward officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Zelienople American Legion Color Guard.

Memorial contributions in Ben’s name can be made to; Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.