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David Swoboda Obituary
Reno - David Michael Swoboda (aviation callsigns Swobes and Vulture), age 59, died on November 30, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. Dave was born in Palm Springs, California on July 30, 1960 to Frank and Rene (DuCharme) Swoboda.
During his childhood, Dave lived in Greendale, Wisconsin, Bellevue, Washington, and Birmingham, Michigan. Dave graduated from Ernest W. Seaholm High School in 1978 and then accepted a four-year U.S. Navy ROTC scholarship and attended the University of Notre Dame where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. Though undersized, he walked-on the football team, bulked up, and eventually earned playing time on special teams.
After college graduation, Dave's naval commitment put him in the back seat of the aircraft carrier-based F-14 Tomcat where he excelled as a radar intercept officer (RIO). Dave got to "see the world" via the USS Enterprise and in 1998 participated in Operation Praying Mantis in the Persian Gulf. After seven years of active duty with a long stint in Miramar, California, he moved to Houston, Texas and spent ten years as a flight control systems engineer for NASA Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center working on propulsion and orbital maneuvering systems for the space shuttle. Dave also flew in the naval reserves for almost 10 years and retired from military service in 1998.
While in California, Dave earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the University of California San Diego. He then tried the self-employment route and used his analytical mind in various endeavors including options trading and poker. He ultimately decided that being a commercial jet pilot was his calling and flew ERJ-175s out of San Francisco.
Dave loved aviation and logged thousands of flight hours in 26 types of civilian and military aircraft. He found great joy in flying gliders and spent numerous hours soaring above the Sierra Nevada mountain range. To help support his gliding hobby, he was a tow plane pilot for the local soaring club. Driving open wheel race cars also fueled Dave's pursuit of adventure. He was an accomplished automobile mechanic, enjoyed working on kit airplanes, and was a great resource for technical troubleshooting.
While he often displayed a rugged exterior, Dave had a sweet and gentle heart and demonstrated decency. He will be missed - blue skies, Vulture.
In memory, please reach out to someone in need or contribute to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (www.bbrfoundation.org). Please specify Dave's name in the "Tribute/Memorial" section after selecting "Donate Now".
Dave is survived by his siblings Janet (Jerry) Pasco of Beverly Hills, Michigan, Susan (Jim) Peters of Goodrich, Michigan, Paul (Diane) Swoboda of Powell, Ohio and step family Dolores (Terry) Hill of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Scott (Jamie) Stevens of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Kenneth Stevens of Morris Plains, New Jersey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Swoboda
Anne Ross
July 30, 2024
Happy Birthday, Dave.
We were friends from his short stint in Pacific Grove, CA and would say hello via text or call on special occasions.
My sincere condolences to his cherished family and friends. He spoke of you fondly.
Karen Goodrick
December 10, 2022
I recently heard a male voice on the radio that brought images and memories of Dave to my mind. Sad for you, his family, that he was gone too early.
Tom Baranek
June 8, 2021
Dave was my roommate on cruise in VF-213. Always ahead of the curve and one of the smartest/analytical minds I've known.
Miss you Brother!
Michael Richerson
December 10, 2020
Was friends with Dave at Notre Dame on the football team. Every year, the ND Monogram Club has a listing of all the ex-athletes who earned a letter in a Notre Dame sport who passed away in the past year; and was surprised to see Dave's name listed. Gone too soon. Just a great guy, great teammate, worked his butt off, got on the field a bit (but the competition was staggering.....trying to replace high school all-American's is a tough task). RIP Swobes. - Mike Richerson, Notre Dame classmate
March 16, 2020
Great officer, always friendly while I was in VF-213. MCPO Beversluis(ret)
Michael Parker
March 16, 2020
I was with Swobes in VF-213, he was a great guy always the true professional, you will be missed by all Shipmate, best to the Family and other friends and shipmates.
Mike & Lukas Kennedy
January 29, 2020
I'll miss you Vulture, my sailplane flying pal.
I Always enjoyed having you at the house for Thanksgiving, and hanging out with us for your SoCal flybys.. I Love that memory of you me and Blackhawk out at the Air Sailplane Gliderport In the middle of that snow-covered winter. You Musta given me 30 tows in five days getting me all check out with my new 1968 sailplane... Thanks too for giving me my 'air call sign'
And a huge thanks especially for all that you did for my son Lukas out there. That was huge for him.
Capt. Nemo & Lukas
January 10, 2020
I was XO with Swobes in 213. A fine officer and a gentleman. Gone to soon.
My best to his family.
Greg Gerard
Bryan Kust
January 9, 2020
Swobes was my RIO in VF-213 when we lost an engine on a Cat shot in an armed TARPS bird. I believe it's the heaviest successful engine-failure flyaway of the F-14. Calm and cool throughout. Fair wings, shipmate. Spot
Don Lyle
January 8, 2020
We had some great times at the Houston Grand Prix and other Indy Car races where Swobes caught the racing bug. I will always be grateful for Dave opening his home to me when I was based in HOU at the beginning of my Southwest career, "There will be no crashpad as long as I live in Houston!" was pretty much how the invitation went. Being the volunteer RIOs when VF-201 went to the boat at night. Brave or crazy, we never did decide did we? Swobes, the world is a lesser place without your wit, intellect, and views on life. It was an honor to serve with you, my life is richer having known you. Blessings for eternity my friend.
Don Lyle
January 8, 2020
Great memories of the Houston Grand Prix and other Indy Car races when you got the racing bug. I will always be grateful to you for opening your home to me when I was commuting to HOU at the beginning of my Southwest career and insisting on no crashpad as long as you lived in Houston! Being the volunteer RIOs on the night team when VF-201 went to the boat. Brave or crazy, we never did decide did we? Swobes, the world is a lesser place without your wit, intellect, and views on life. Rest in peace my friend.
Tom Tinsley
January 8, 2020
My deepest condolences for this unexpected loss.
I flew with Swobes during his first tour with VF213 and even at that nugget stage, it was obvious Dave learned fast and was ahead of the game in many ways. Also, a fun guy on liberty.
A good man gone too soon.
JAMES PRICE
January 8, 2020
Paying my respect as a VF-201 F-14 Electrician 1986-1990, Ran the AE shop, RIP kind sir,,,, thank you for your tremendous service, God richly bless your family in a time like this, love n prayers..AE-1 James Price..
Dan Sherwood
January 7, 2020
This hurts. Remember Swobes so well ... he took care of us younger RIOS in VF-201 when we first checked in.. He and I were always talking about becoming Astronauts someday and he helped me out immensely when I applied for Astronaut program.
JC Callahan
January 7, 2020
Im saddened to hear of Swobes passing. We served together in the 1990s flying the F-14. What a solid guy. I remember one time we were in the squadron OPS office when a new guy checked in. (Maybe you LEEKSTER?). Swobes introduced himself and said ,Hi, Im Dave Swoboda. Then was asked, so what else do you do? Swobes answered, I work for NASA. To which the new guy replied, so, are you a rocket scientist or something? And Swobes replied, yeah, I guess I am.... And we all got a kick out of that. RIP. Swobes. Youve flown west too soon. JC
Richard Lilly
January 7, 2020
I did not know Dave very well as I retired soon after he joined VF-201, I remember him as a very happy and nice guy. I do remember we shared a love of aviation and flying. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Gerald Leekey
January 6, 2020
I flew F14s with Swobes. He was always smiling when he got to fly, he really loved aviation. We had great times at the Reno Air Races telling stories.
I was always impressed with his background and intelligence.
We will raise a toast to him at the Races this year.
So lucky to have spent time with you Swobes!
God speed as you travel thru the universe.
Dan O'Malley
January 4, 2020
Hello family, extended family and friends! We were very lucky to have parents that wanted to get together on a vacation! Dave and I were close to the same age as my younger brother. We had a lot of good times, except getting lost in the woods in Washington! We lost touch over the years until recently when he had his flight training hear in Denver! I was able to spend a great time with him!
He was a lot of fun!!!!!
Teresa Parduhn (Swoboda)
January 3, 2020
I knew David mostly in our youthful days. He was a wonderful kid. As we grew up, you could always count on him showing up at his cousins weddings. Dave was a delight and fun to be around. I miss being able to say goodbye. Love, Terri Swoboda
Ken Forbes
December 21, 2019
Dave was a high school friend of mine. We skiied together a few times and hung out a bit. Dave had numerous interests. I remember attending Seaholm High School football games and hearing from the game announcer, "ball carrier Swoboda". Dave was a driver on offense. I was also on the track team with Dave and picked up a new appreciation for pole vaulting which was his event. Speed, strength and agility all required and he certainly demonstrated those attributes. We lost touch after high school. I must say I am impressed but not really surprised by reading all he accomplished. Dave was fearless, had a good heart and will be very much missed!
Ken Forbes
December 21, 2019
Dave was a high school friend of mine. We skiied together a few times and hung out a bit. Dave had numerous interests and was involved in a lot. When attending Seaholm High School football games I heard numerous times from the game announcer "ball carrier Swoboda". He was a driver on offense. I was also on the track team with him. I got to watch him pole vault and picked up a real appreciation for the event . . . speed, strength and agility all required. We lost touch after high school. I must say after reading all he accomplished I am impressed but not really surprised. Dave was fearless. He will be very much missed.
Karen (Kasser) Goodrick
December 17, 2019
I met David in the early 90's in So. Cal. Our paths crossed over nearly 30 years in San Diego, San Jose, Albuquerque, and Reno. We danced like Fred & Ginger at a Tom Cat Ball, he pointed out and knew the names of all the stars we could see at night. He would take me out for a meal and we would talk about life. He helped me drive the truck when I moved from Reno to Huntington Beach one year. He was always a gentleman, except the one time he hung up on me when I got too pointed in a conversation. We shared about our beliefs on God, politics, human nature, family. He was the most intelligent person I knew - I called him my rocket scientist and he called me his preacher girl.
The world will not be the same without Dave.
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