He was buried at Oaklands after a 60-minute cermony of hymns, prayers and speeches at the church at High and Miner Streets in downtown West Chester.
Mr. Swope, who was born and raised here, was president of First National Bank of Chester County for 30 years. He used the bank to guide development here and throughout the county.
He also served on the West Chester University board of trustees for 10 years. His father, Charles S., was president of the school for 25 years.
Mourners reflected the many facets of Mr. Swope's life: Businessmen, politicians, judges and friends. Mr. Swope was recalled in eulogies as a tough Marine, a community leader, hardworking businessman, and caring father.
"He had a certain sophistication, a rare gift on how to handle people and how to get the most out of them," said Col. Bayard Snowden 3d, a retired Marine Corps Reserve officer. Snowden worked with Mr. Swope, also a retired colonel, in the Marine Reserve Officers Association.
An honor guard of eight Marines from the Gen. Smedley D. Butler Marine Reserve Center in Folsom played an active role in the ceremony.
At the church, two Marines in dress-blue uniforms stood guard by his open casket in the sanctuary. At the cemetery, they folded the American flag wrapped around his coffin and presented it to his wife, Stephanie. The Marines then fired a salute of gunfire.
James McErlane, managing partner at Windle McErlane and Mr. Swope's brother-in-law, applauded the banker's two-year fight against throat cancer.
He said friends and family members expected Mr. Swope to pass away after having throat surgery when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2001.
"The cancer spread, his prognosis was terrible, but Charlie Swope willed to live," he said. "And he struggled heroically."
Mr. Swope ran the bank without the use of his voice for two years. Board members said he used a yellow pad to write notes during meetings and would often tap his pen on the table if he wanted someone's attention.
Mr. Swope's son, Charles E. Swope Jr., was the final speaker.
In a tribute to his father, he spoke about a trip to President Bush's inauguration in 2001, the last time his father spoke, and how painful it was to see his father try to sing Christmas carols in church after surgery that left him without a voice.
"We must all remember him and continue to honor him" through service to the community, the younger Swope said. "And, as he would say, 'continue to march.' "
Contact staff writer Benjamin Y. Lowe at 610-701-7615 or blowe@phillynews.com.
