Natrona Heights, PA Native and Former St. Joseph High School Baseball Player, Elias ‘Eli’ Swierczewski, 24, Dies After Courageous Battle With Ewing’s Sarcoma

December 11, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 11, 2026

The Natrona Heights, PA, and Dublin, Ohio communities are mourning the untimely death of former athlete and beloved native, Eli J. Swierczewski.

Eli Swierczewski passed away on Monday, December 8, 2026, at an untimely age of 24 after a long and courageous battle with a rare cancer.

Swierczewski spent much of his life , a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer first diagnosed in 2014 when he was 12, after he began feeling pain and swelling in his right arm.

He underwent a year of chemotherapy, multiple major surgeries that removed most of the bone in his upper arm and replaced it with cadaver bone and a metal rod, and radiation treatments to clear remaining cancer cells.

His doctors also rebuilt his arm using ligaments taken from his knee, leaving him with several large scars and permanent changes that forced him to relearn basic movements and even teach himself how to throw left-handed so he could continue playing baseball, basketball, and soccer.

Years later, in October 2019, the cancer returned when spots were found on his lungs, leading him back into chemotherapy and a long, difficult second fight.

Through both battles, Eli stayed positive, leaned on his family and community, and inspired his teammates and classmates with his attitude.

Despite the community’s ongoing support and his determination, Eli lost his battle to cancer.

Furthermore, the untimely death of Elias ‘Eli’ Swierczewski has left his family and loved ones devastated.

Born on November 16, 2001, in Natrona Heights to parents Brian and Pamela Swierczewski, Eli touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills and his courageous nature.

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Eli Swierczewski Was a Proud Student-Athlete of St. Joseph High School

Late won the hearts of many with his remarkable high school athletic journey, excelling in multiple sports despite his battle with cancer.

A graduate of 2026, Eli played for the boys varsity baseball, basketball, and soccer teams and led his team in several victories at St. Joseph High School.

He also won several honorable titles throughout his tenure.

Additionally, Eli was an avid golfer and a Pittsburgh and Dayton Flyers sports fan. He also enjoyed cars, autocrossing his 1994 Miata (Moose), and loved outdoor activities.

Although Eli Swierczewski didn’t pursue his career in sports, he was thriving in his career as a Mechanical Engineer.

Earning his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2026 from the University of Dayton, Eli was serving as a design engineer at Honda Engineering North American Inc., in Raymond, Ohio, for nearly two years before his untimely passing.

Prior to that, he served as aand die and mold production engineer intern at American Honda Motor Company.

His courageous nature and his contribution to the sports community as an exceptional athlete will always be remembered.

In addition to his parents, Brian and Pam, Eli Swierczewski is survived by his brother, Ethan Swierczewski (fiance, Bridget Morrisey), of Arlington, VA, sisters, Anna Swierczewski, of Houston, Texas, Ally Swierczewski, of Natrona Heights and Emma Swierczewski, of Natrona Heights, maternal grandparents, Bernanrd and Patricia Nowicki, uncles, aunts, his girlfriend, Lauren Schutte and the entire family.

Eli was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Chester and Rosemary Anuszek.

His family has organized a memorial service on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights, 724-224-8688.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 12 noon in Most Blessed Sacrament Chuch, Natrona Heights.

Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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