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Raymond Swavely Obituary
Swavely, Sr.
Age 75 of Newark, DE passed away suddenly Friday, September 2, 2011.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond A. Swavely and Helen McDonald Swavely, his wife Patricia, son Raymond Jr., grandson Steven Hauer.
Raymond was a graduate of West Chester University. He was a professor at many colleges. He was the founder of Approved Tax Service and an Income Tax expert for 50 years. He was a popular and well respected public speaker. Raymond was a baseball coach and avid sports fan, as well as, a horse racing enthusiast who will be dearly missed by his friends and family.
Raymond was survived by daughters, Beth Carpenter of Fort Pierce, FL; Wendy Simione (Michael) of Wilmington, Patricia Wilson (John Laudenslager) of Wilmington, son Richard Swavely (Angela George) of Newark with whom he lived. He was also survived by his dear friend Sandra Wieland; sisters June Callahan (Joseph), Helen (Honey) Munson Tibble (Tim); grandchildren Alex, Ben and Clare Carpenter and Cecilia Dawson. Ray was also survived by many nieces, nephews and family. He will be missed by a myriad of friends and clients.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at Charles P. Arcaro Funeral Home on Thursday, September 8, from 11 am - 1 pm, followed by a service at 1 pm.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the charity of your choice.
CHARLES P. ARCARO
FUNERAL HOME
2309 Lancaster Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19805
For directions and to
express online
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www.arcarofuneralhome.com
(302) 658-9095
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Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Swavely
Kurt Martin
September 21, 2011
I was shocked to hear of Raymond’s passing today. I last saw him in August 24th 2011 the day of the earthquake and we spoke of a while about the usual stuff. Kurt and family wish our sincere condolences to the Swavely family. I will miss Raymond very much. Who is going to buy me lunch and give me jokes when I come to provide IT support service at the office? Raymond you will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers and may God bless you and your family.
Sincerely
Kurt Electronis Inc.
Kurt Martin
Wendy Meixell
September 15, 2011
To the Swavely.
We will truly miss Ray...He was always telling jokes, making everybody laugh and trying to get my 2 boys to finish up those Donuts!! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and always!
The Meixell Family
Kevin, Wendy, Josh and Tyler
Larry Blong
September 14, 2011
Dear Richard and Family, We were so saddened and shocked to hear of your Dad's passing last week. We, along with everyone else, were unprepared for what happened. In a way we thought that Swave would be with us always. Tax season, football season and everyday life just won't be the same. The world has become a little colder without Swave. Swave was the spiritual advisor, the guru, someone we all could go to when we needed an answer. Swave always had an answer and let us know, whether we liked it or not, what our next move should be. I hope to write something more about your Dad later. Swave was literally "The Man." Last week those of us who were lucky enough to know Swave lost a true friend, his family lost an irreplaceable loved one, and the world lost a true humanitarian. Swave left us in a hurry, like he did so many things. Before we had a chance to tell him just how much we loved him. We all loved you Swave and will cherish your memory forever, for they shall NEVER be another. With deepest sympathy, your friends Larry, Steve, and Ginger Blong
September 13, 2011
Ray became a good friend through the years. He was wonderful to me and also mentoring my son,so that he could start a business and someday buy a home. I valued his opions and advice. We met over 10 years ago, as he was recommended by two friends as a terrific accountant that was smart and fair. I liked him immediately. He had a great mind and memory and a terrific sense of humor. Everyone who walked in through his door was greeted like an old friend. He demonstrated real care and concern for family, friends and clients. He was so proud that his children would carry on his business and were so instrumental in the changes that had taken place over the last year or so. I am so sorry for the loss to your family- but his words and the memories of him will stay with us all. He was such a great guy... no one like him.. we will all miss him terribly.
Sharon Sattefield
Claudette Dunford
September 11, 2011
When God made Ray he broke the mold. I have never in my life met a man such as him and doubt I ever will again. He was my mentor. He believed in me and that's just the beginning. I never tired of hearing his stories of the many years of his life and the things he'd heard or experienced. He was smart and practical and always willing to help, especially the little guy and the misfortunate. He never forgot the struggles he endured in his younger days and did what he could to help those who were now where he was then. Words cannot say how much I will miss that man and the impact he had on my life. He taught me that no matter what happens to you, you just gotta dust yourself off and keep on keepin on cuz that's what life is all about. Thank you for the laughs and the lessons Ray. I will never forget you and the office just won't be the same without you. Love, Claudette
Tom Mooney
September 8, 2011
Most people would question why I would drive two hours to get my taxes done. It didn't really matter if I paid Uncle Sam or not.......I always enjoyed the yearly trip to Delaware.
My condolences to family and friends.
Carol DeWitt
September 8, 2011
I just learned of Ray's passing; shocking since I spoke to him on the phone only last week. I am sorry for the loss to your family, but your memories of him, his knowlege, drive, and sense of humor will be a blessing forever.
Alan Matas
September 8, 2011
Ray was more than the person who helped me with my taxes. When I was just out of the service he is the one that guided me back to college and helped me get my life back on track. He was a wonderful person. I will really miss him.
Nancy Fisher
September 8, 2011
Tricia and family,
Sorry to hear of your father's passing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Nancy(melvin)Fisher
George Recker
September 7, 2011
Sorry to hear about your dad's passing,It was a real shocker to us..He always had so much spring in his step and always a smile. Just saw him 2 weeks ago when out for breakfast .Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
George & Linda Recker
September 7, 2011
Dear Swavely family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He will live on through his family, he instilled his amazing qualities in his son Rich. Swave and Angela, we are thinking of you and praying for comfort and strength in your time of need. We love you.
Sincerely,
Mike and Adrian McCullough
Maura Bradley-Brown
September 7, 2011
I am very sad to hear of Ray's passing. Ray knew how to make filing taxes fun. He would have us laughing the whole time with his sarcastic humor. He was truly a wonderfully kind man, and will be greatly missed?
Diana and Henry Alexander
September 6, 2011
I was very saddened to hear the news of Ray's passing. I always looked forward to tax time every year (who does that?) just to see Ray and his family. Pat always the warm one checking me in, daughters Trish and Wendy... one of them would do my paperwork, and then Richard became the lucky one. I am mostly thankful for Ray because of the joy he put on my Dad's face when they would talk about the racetrack or tell each other "Little Johnny" jokes. He was a great man and I will miss him always!
William Wilks
September 6, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Pam and David George
September 6, 2011
Swave, or Curly as your Dad would call you. I can't even begin to express how saddened David and I are. What a wonderful, wonderful man your father was! When Angela and you met and got married your Dad welcomed us into your family like we were his own. He was such a great guy, I loved to hear his stories, he was such a fun guy to be around. I loved the relationship you two had together. I think that is so wonderful, there are not too many people that can say their father is their best friend. You could tell the two of you were best friends. It was so refreshing, to see the family dynamics! I think the love that you all shared was unbelievable! I know that he has raised a wonderful son who will intern be a wonderful father as well. You had such a great role model. Hold on to all your memories. He will be deeply missed. Keep Angela close. We love you Swave!
Larry Blong
September 6, 2011
My brother and I first met Ray at Wilmington College in 1972 where Ray was teaching. Ray was more than a teacher, he became a friend, a confidant and a father that my brother and I never had. "Swave" was everything we hoped to be. Intelligence, sports knowledge and a sense of humor like no other. This tragedy is a real loss that will never, ever be forgotten. "Swave" was more than a teacher and a tax man to us, he was family and will be incredibly missed.
Ginger, Larry, Steve and John Blong.
Annette Rosaio Maull
September 6, 2011
Pat and I are very sad to hear this news. We could always count on a good chuckle when we came in to get our taxes done. Our hearts go out to all of you during this difficult time. Cherish the memories (which I'm sure are many) and keep together. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
The Maull's
Bob Kunz
September 6, 2011
I only knew Ray a very short time. He was a coach on my sons semi pro baseball team. In that short period of time I looked forward to seeing him and chatting about baseball. He was one of the most baseball knowledgeable people I'd ever met. Always witty and told the best stories of anyone I know. I'm thankful for that short time friendship I had with him and want to send my heartfelt condolences to his family. Miss you Ray!
Ron Morris
September 6, 2011
From a Goldey's student (Class of '66)who appreciated your classes, humor & frankness.Over the years we run into each other and catch up. My thought & prayers are with you this day and with Family.
John and Kate Carlson
September 6, 2011
We have done our taxes with the Swavely family for the past 8 years and have been fortunate enough to have many great conversations with Ray. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
September 6, 2011
Wendy and Richard, We knew Ray as the tax guy for the last several years. We are very saddened for you and your family. We had many laughs - he gave great advice. Again the world is going to miss Ray. Rich and Linda Osiolek
Bill Newnam
September 6, 2011
So sorry for your loss. How much more can you say about somebody than "he had me enjoying doing my taxes!" It was always a warm family affair around there.
Robert/Sandra Dietrich
September 6, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Thomacina Gray
September 6, 2011
To the Swavely family, as I read the article today, I feel like my friend has left me without me knowing he was going. Your Dad has done my taxes for over 30 years, but most of all he was my friend. I don't know who will give me all that good advise anymore, but he will truely be missed by many. My deeest sympathy to your family, the world will truely miss Ray.
Dale Langrehr
September 5, 2011
Wendy and Richard: I was so sorry to hear of your dads passing. I only knew him as my tax guy, but we always talked baseball at tax time. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Elizabeth Doherty
September 5, 2011
To the Swavwly family. Ray has done my taxes and most of my family members taxes most of my adult life. He was a good man with a warm laugh and understanding attitude. He will be greatly missed, not just by my family but by a great number of people whose lives he touched. May God wrap his arms around you @ this time.
September 5, 2011
Dear Swavely family: My sincere sympathy on the passing of Ray. I worked with him for many years and he always made tax paying fun (believe it or not). He was always optimistic and had a way of making the IRS less fearful. I will remember him as a funny, warm and decent man. May he rest peace.
Cecelia Steele, Wilmington Delaware
Linda Santora
September 5, 2011
Ray was not just my accountant, but a dear friend. He helped me through more than just my taxes at the most difficult of times. I am truly saddened and sorry and will miss his humor and his candor and most importantly his words of wisdom. My deepest sympathies to his family who I know will carry on his legacy. Love and prayers,
Linda Santora
Robin Crisman
September 5, 2011
What a great,great man he was!! If you spent a month of Sundays searching, you would not find a more loyal person. He made every client feel as if they were his only one, giving the extra time and dedication to each of us, while the waiting room was filled. He was a brilliant man, and the only person I ever enjoyed writing a check out to! There is no doubt in my mind he is up there right now telling Judas what he should have done with those 30 gold pieces!! Feburary's won't be the same anymore.
sandy hitchcock
September 5, 2011
Wendy, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts are with you.
September 5, 2011
We adored this vibrant, warm, wise, funny and, above all, good man. He made paying taxes less miserable. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.
~ Jeff & Teresa Ewald
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