September 25, 1921 - December 16, 2016
Fred passed away Dec. 16, 2016 at The Vintage at Las Villas De Carlsbad. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Ann (shown with him above), and his son James. Surviving family members include Jane Myers, his daughter in Redlands California; his sister, Mildred Chapman of Belpre Ohio; his two stepdaughters, Debbie Wardwell and Denise Denn of Carlsbad, California; and his stepson, Brian Denn of Hingham, Massachusetts.
Fred was born in Coolville, Ohio and graduated from Ohio University in 1942. He joined the Naval Air corps in 1942 and served as a carrier based dive bomber pilot aboard the U.S.S. Bunker Hill until 1945. He was decorated 10 times; they included the Navy Cross, four distinguished Flying Crosses, four air medals and the Presidential Citation.
He served as a high school coach in Ohio from 1946 through 1953 and, beginning in 1953, owned and operated Swearingen Sporting Goods in Athens, Ohio for 20 years. He moved to California in 1972.
Prior to 1960, Fred also served as an official for high school football and basketball games in Ohio. He signed a contract with the NFL in 1960, and served as a field judge and referee for the NFL from 1960 through 1980. He was famous for his call in the 1972 NFL Divisional playoff game between Pittsburgh and Oakland at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won on a deflected pass caught by Franco Harris in the last five seconds of the game. The play has since been called "The Immaculate Reception". He also served as field judge in the 1979 Super Bowl XIII, Pittsburgh versus Dallas.
Fred was a popular speaker at various functions and on cruise ships given his experiences with the NFL and his excellent ability to entertain audiences.
Fred also served as a member of the Oceanside Rotary Club and became Executive Vice President of the Club in 1979.
At his request, his ashes will be scattered at sea. Per Fred's wishes, no formal funeral services will be held, but a private family memorial service will be held as a tribute to Fred.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger from Dec. 16 to Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Swearingen

8 Entries

Robert Norcross

March 5, 2024

Mr Swearingen was a very honorable man. He was pleasant and had integrity. I met him at El Camino Country Club in Oceanside where he was member.

Pamela Fields

September 25, 2023

Fred was my boss at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. He was kind, very witty and a legend. I remember Johnny Unitas stopping by! When I got married-he made a call to the hotel we were going to be staying at in Lake Tahoe. When we arrived for our honeymoon-we were told our only bill for week would be tips! I was astounded! Thank you Fred for all you taught me, the many hours of wisdom and your phenomenal sense of humor. God has you now.

Art Holst

January 9, 2017

I wasan NFL official in same era as Fred. We were never on a crew together but did for a pre-season game together in 1967 in Cleveland. He was a fine official and will be remembered well by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
Art Holst, #33

Karen Avery Neild

December 26, 2016

Dear Jane - Your dad served on the Bunker Hill with my father, Deane Avery. We used to look for him watching the NY Giants when we were little watching the game with Dad. Somehow his name came up tonight.My husband brought it up - and I can't believe he died just 10 days ago! Haven't mentioned his name in years until now. My father died in 2010. Devine intervention I'm sure!

December 21, 2016

Condolences from Cousin Mike Walsh. Hit em straight.

Peggy Viehweger

December 18, 2016

A good long life. Love to Jane & family.
Peggy Viehweger

Fred Chapman

December 18, 2016

RIP Uncle Fred.

December 18, 2016

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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