Swartzlander

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and hero. Local racing legend Richard (Dick) Swartzlander passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones, after 92 glorious years on this earth.

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.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.