Richard-Switzer Sr.,-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield

Richard A. Switzer Sr.,

West Springfield, Massachusetts

Feb 29, 1944 – Aug 23, 2023

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BORN
February 29, 1944
DIED
August 23, 2023
LOCATION
West Springfield, Massachusetts

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Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield Obituary

Richard “Rick” A. Switzer Sr., lost his battle with COPD and sadly passed away on Wed Aug 23, 2023 in Henderson, NV. He was born as a leap year baby on Feb 29, 1944. Rick grew up in the Pine Point section of Springfield and attended Springfield Technical High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Sergeant/SP5. Rick was stationed in Korea, Colorado Springs and had two tours of duty as a Medic in Vietnam. After 8 years of service in the Army, he had an employment as an EMT, bus driver and other odd jobs. Rick retired from the U.S. Postal Service Bulk Mail Center in Springfield. Rick enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing trike bike around Las Vegas with his Wings of Gold riding club. He also enjoyed socializing with his many friends at the Heritage Park Senior Center. He leaves behind his wife, Carla (Lawrence) Switzer, his sister Cynthia (Switzer) Demers and her husband Ernest, grandchildren Blaise Switzer, Savannah Switzer, Nora (Switzer) Ackley, great grandchildren Jolene and Mabel Ackley, niece Nicole (Demers) Rhodes, cousin Maureen (Bushey) Newalu and several other cousins. Besides his parents Shirley L. (Bushey/Switzer) Durand and Raymond L. Switzer, he was predeceased by his sosn David B. Switzer and Richard A. Switzer Jr., brother Wayne Switzer and his half-brother Michael Durand, his friend Helen Diamond and many aunts and uncles. A private burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Rick’s name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

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rich sorry to see you go my condolences to the family

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ricky and his family.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Sorry to hear of "Doc's" passing. I had talked with him on the phone recently and he was not feeling too well. We've been neighborhood friends since the '50's and had a lot of good times together, as we were growing up in the 'hood and kept in touch ever since. He was a great person to know, RIP, Richard.

We have been best friends since we were 4 years old, so your brothers are mine, and mine are yours. I was deeply saddened to learn of Rick's passing and I pray that my love and lifelong friendship will help you through the hard days ahead. You are always in my heart.

A heartfelt thank you for your service to our country. Rest in peace.