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Richard Swartzlander Obituary
He was a lot of things to a lot of people: a racer, a mechanic, a Marine, a dancer and a storyteller; but first and foremost, he was always a family man.
His love for anything with an engine and wheels was rivaled only by his love for ice cream - but he loved neither more than his family. His first wife, Pearl, who preceded him in death on April 28, 2001; his children (and their spouses), Kathy (Butch), Patty (Judy) and Dan (Melissa); grandchildren, Kayla, Richard, Clay and Calvin; his second wife, Audree, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; cousins; nieces; nephews; and countless friends all knew how much he loved them and how much they loved him.
Dick was a member of Slate Lick United Presbyterian Church and the Freeport Area Kiwanis Club.
He was an automobile technician at Gulf Research in Harmarville for 31 years, prior to his retirement in 1985.
His impact on the racing community cannot be overstated and could fill a book. Don Gamble wrote a great piece several years ago that can be found at bit.ly/3rMaWYy.
He also was very proud of the time he spent defending our great nation in the U.S. Marines.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dick's caregiver, Robin, and her son, Noah.
SWARTZLANDER - Family and friends of Richard (Dick) Swartzlander, who died Monday, July 31, 2023, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport. Funeral committal ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark S. Davis officiating.
Private burial will follow in Mount Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights.
For more information, visit www.daughertyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Swartzlander
Gina Pesce Abdallah
August 8, 2023
To the Swartzlander family, my deepest sympathies on the passing of Dick. May his memory be eternal.
Nick Petrishen
August 7, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Al & Sandy Spencer
August 3, 2023
Patty and family,
We're hoping that many happy memories shared over the years will help bring all of you all peace and comfort now and in the future. So very sorry for your loss.
Shelly Bastin
August 3, 2023
Wonderful Memories of family, racing, dune buggies and swimming!
So sorry for your loss. The Larry Peters Family.
Yvonne Adams
August 3, 2023
My sincere sympathy to the family of Dick. I have memories as a little girl spending time with my twin sister and our parents (Burton Adams) at the Swartzlander house while dad and Dick worked on race cars. I will always remember the family and those special days
Melinda
August 2, 2023
Patty, sorry for your loss. Reading about your Dad shows he lived life on his own terms.
Jim Fleeger
August 2, 2023
Deepest condolences! We enjoyed when he drove our cars. Cars 3 and 26.
-Jim, Barb Fleeger and family
Jennifer Harvey Simpson
August 2, 2023
Semper Fidelis. Grew Up watching you at Lernerville!
Brother Marine, McKeesport, Pa.
August 2, 2023
Semper Fi Marine. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. R.I.P.
Clem Zahrobsky
August 2, 2023
The final checker flag. Godspeed Dick
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