Richard Swartz

RICHARD ROBERT SWARTZ - Shrewsbury

Richard R. Swartz, 87, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully Thursday, March 26, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home in Cuttingsville, VT. He was born June 12,1938 in Syracuse, New York to Robert and Elise (Beaulieu) Swartz.

Richard joined the Marine Corps 1957, stationed at Parris Island, SC, retiring as a Corporal after nine years. He then graduated from New York State Ranger school where he was president of his class and Syracuse University with a BS degree in forestry. During this time, he married Judy (Hackbarth) and had his daughters, Randi and Sandi.

Richard achieved his VT State Surveyors license and began his working career in Vermont with the International Paper Company and the City of Rutland. He spent many years with Central Vermont Public Service and retired from Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) as a Right-of-Way Forester. Richard enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and retired from there as a Lieutenant Commander after a combined 27 years of military service.

Richard was a member of the Masonic Lodge #79 of Rutland, serving as a Master for one year. In his later years, he attended Mount Moriah Lodge #96 in East Wallingford.

Richard belonged to the Trinity Episcopal Church where he was a junior and senior warden for 4 years. He also attended the Shrewsbury Community Church. In 1994 he married Donna Burnett creating a wonderful, blended family.

Richard had a passion for being outdoors; always hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and camping. His hobbies were creating custom hunting knives and tinkering with various projects. His love for travel took him and his wife of thirty-two years, Donna, on adventures from the oceans and rivers of Maine to the coastal wilderness of Alaska. Finally settling in Arizona where he would enjoy soaking up the sunshine on the porch at their second home. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and helped them develop a good foundation in life skills. He would share his special places, such as the Adirondack Wilderness, the Northeast Kingdom, or even just the cabin in the woods behind his house with anyone who wanted to explore his connection with nature. He always had a smile, and kind words to all, with a chuckle in between! His humor and wisdom will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughters, Randi Ray (William); Sandi Swartz (Mark Hance); his stepdaughter Cara Perry (Randy); his stepson Burton Burnett (Michelle); his brother, James Swartz from Maryland; and the grandchildren; JoAnna Ray, Zachary Bletz, Alexandra Mandolare, Cailyn Fleury, Elise Jackson, Nathaniel Hance, Dillan Burnett, Gary Burnett, Christopher Burnett, and 3.5 great grandchildren. Also, two nieces, one nephew, and several cousins.

Richard and his family extend their most sincere gratitude for the incredibly kind and professional healthcare services provided by Denise Eaton. There will be no calling hours. A memorial contribution may be made to the local Alzheimer's foundation.

A celebration of life will be at a later date. Please check back for updates.

As Richard would always say; “Bye for Now!”