Jerry Reid Swormstedt (1934-2015) – was born to David Reid Swormstedt, Sr., and his wife, Helen.

A 1956 graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism, Jerry joined ST Publications in 1959 as an Assistant Editor for Signs of the Times magazine. In 1970, Jerry became editorial director of Signs of the Times, Screen Printing and Display World magazine (currently VMSD magazine), and in 1979, Jerry became the publisher of Signs of the Times. In 1992, following the retirement of his older brother, the late David Reid Swormstedt Jr., Jerry became the president of ST Publications. When his son, Tedd Swormstedt was named president in 1999, Jerry became chair of the board, a role he served until he retired in 2005.

In a career that spanned 46 years, Jerry was quite active in the sign industry, as evidenced by his being bestowed with the sign industry’s highest honor, the International Sign Association’s Distinguished Service Award (now known as the Kirk Brimley Distinguished Service Award) in 1994. Jerry served as a judge in International Sign Association’s annual sign design contest more than a dozen times between 1970 and 1994. In his native Cincinnati (OH) area, Jerry served as the secretary for both the Sign Contractors of Greater Cincinnati association and Associated Sign Industries of Ohio (which grew into the current Midwest Sign Assn. in 1986), the latter for more than a decade.

Jerry was a veteran of the U.S. Army and, for more than ten years, served as a volunteer fireman in Mariemont. He was the local amateur herpetologist and was frequently called upon to handle incidents involving snakes or other reptiles. Jerry’s love for trains led to his volunteer work at Entertainment Junction in West Chester. He was an avid golfer, albeit not his strong suit, and he loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved the outdoors, especially in Hilton Head Island, SC, where he found his final resting place.

His outgoing, gregarious personality, hearty laugh, and exuberant dancing will always be remembered for his signature catchphrase – “Keep Smiling.”

Jerry Reid Swormstedt died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on April 4, 2015, in Cincinnati, Ohio at 80 years old.

Jerry was survived by his wife of 21 years, Joan, son Tedd and his wife Pam Kalkhoff, grandchildren Ted, Brad, Carly, Jenna, Alexandra, Samantha, daughter-in-law Cindy Swormstedt, step-daughters Sheelah (Tom) Buse, children Grace and Caroline; Patti (David) Stephas, children Sam Cooler, Kevin Cooler and Bridget; and step-son Sean (Elaine) O’Donnell, children Erin and Ryan. He is preceded in death by his first wife Betty and son Scott.