Ralph Horting Sweger Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 6, 2026 at the age of 100. Ralph was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Ralph H. Sweger Sr. and Myrtle Hause Sweger.

Ralph lived a full life centered around faith, family, hard work, and music. During high school, he had a passion for music and sang in the choir, played bass in the orchestra, and served as stage manager for school plays and performances. After graduating high school in 1945, Ralph was drafted into the military. Due to his poor eyesight, he was stationed in California as a corporal in the Army, where he helped process men and women returning home from the war.

Following his time in the service, Ralph began working at Girard Trust Corn Exchange Bank in Center City Philadelphia as a head teller. While working at the bank, he attended finance classes at night through the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance. It was also during this time that he met his wife, Florence Theiss Sweger. They were married on November 7, 1964.

Ralph’s career later led him into the men’s clothing business after he was asked to help with payroll for a store called Slax and Jacs. He eventually took over Slax and Jacs and went on to open his own men’s clothing stores throughout Center City Philadelphia, growing the business to a total of seven stores.

Throughout his life, Ralph continued to enjoy music and played bass for the Bucks County and Main Line Orchestras. He was also an active member of Somerton United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir for many years and served as president of the Board of Trustees.

Ralph’s hobbies included trips to Ocean City, New Jersey, gardening, woodworking, making stained glass, and always staying active. He found great joy in watching his grandchildren grow up and attending their milestones, including high school and college graduations. Ralph will be remembered as a hardworking husband and father, a family-oriented man, and a man of strong faith.

Ralph is the beloved husband to Florence Theiss Sweger, loving father to Cindy Holcomb (George), Paul Sweger (Sue), and Nancy Kasten. The caring Poppy of Georgia Holcomb and Reese Holcomb. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph H. Sweger Sr. and Myrtle Hause Sweger; his sister, Lois Minnick; and his brother, Richard H. Sweger.

While flowers are always appreciated, we welcome donations to The Wills Eye in Ralph's name.