Richard Swacen

Obituary of Richard Swacen

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Richard J. Swacen passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 82.

He was born on March 18, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, and was brought up on his family farm in Angola, NY (outside of Buffalo). He went to elementary school in a historic "one-room schoolhouse" and graduated from Lake Shore Central High School. He then attended the University of Rochester and made the city his home. His post-college career included time spent working for Eastman Kodak, Geva Theatre, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He bought his first house on Maplewood Ave., which became a home for many young Kodak professionals. Later, he married his love Martha Doell and made a family home together in Summerville, Irondequoit, on the shore of Lake Ontario with their daughter Katie.

Richard pursued many diverse entrepreneurial, environmental, and historical causes. This included starting an educational museum in Charlotte, NY, called "The Maritime Discovery Center" and "The Great Waterways Institute" for education, advocacy, and research surrounding the Great Lakes. He was a passionate activist and historian, tirelessly advocating for the preservation and repurposing of what he viewed as important historical structures in our area, such as the Hojack Swing Bridge. He was even able to successfully save a historic lighthouse on the Charlotte Pier from being destroyed. He saw the importance of getting involved for the betterment of his local community and, in 1993, ran for Irondequoit Town Council. He enjoyed working with new technology and owned a computer store in Irondequoit for a time called "Compu-Vid Systems."

He was a conservationist with a deep love for nature and animals, happily referring to himself as "Earth Guy," always trying to save the Earth. In his youth, he owned a horse named "Champ" and enjoyed many other beloved pets throughout his lifetime, including his most recent "therapy dog" named Teta. He knew how to look for the beauty in the world and the good in all people he met throughout his lifetime. Even through a long, challenging battle with Alzheimer's, he remained positive and optimistic, bringing a bright smile and loving light to everyone he came across.

Richard was truly a "free spirit" and "one of a kind" who lived life to its fullest-constantly seeking out new learning opportunities, advocating for positive change, and working tirelessly to preserve our local and environmental history. More importantly, he was a loving father and grandfather, entirely devoted to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his dynamic personality, his insatiable interest in life, and his kindness.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Katie Ferruzza; son-in-law, Lucian Ferruzza; and two wonderful grandchildren, Nora and Hayes Ferruzza. He is also survived by his former wife, Martha Doell Swacen; brother, John Swapceinski; sister, Barbara Doty; brother-in-law, Paul Doty; long-time family friend Chris Husson; and many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Helen (Felong) and Jan Swapceinski, and sister-in-law, Patty Swapceinski. To learn more about Richard, you can view a special video portrait produced by his niece, Lily Mercovich, here.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Ave, Rochester, NY 14612 on Saturday, November 22nd at 10:30am. Family and friends are also invited to a celebration of life luncheon reception gathering following the funeral service at the Harris Funeral Home Family Center at 570 Kings Highway South Rochester, New York 14617. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's honor to the Rochester Alzheimer's Association or the Kirkhaven Senior Living Community.

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