Swain

Richard S. Swain, 77, of Valencia died Feb. 10 at UPMC Passavant hospital following a brief illness.

Mr. Swain was born June 17, 1932, in Saltsburg to Stephen McKee Swain and Beatrice Hunt Swain. He was raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Mr. Swain had a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a minor in physics from the College of Wooster in Ohio. He also had a master's degree in silicate science from the University of Toledo.

He was a retired process control engineer, whose work took him to Taiwan, Canada, Mexico and Venezuela. Mr. Swain also was an adjunct professor of electrical and chemical engineering technology and physics at Point Park College.

He was active in the American Chemical Society, the American Ceramic Society, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Instrument Society of America.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Swain became the Santa Claus at the Wal-Mart in Cranberry Township.

He had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, a founding member of the Faith Full Gospel Church in Zelienople, and most recently was a member of the Glade Run United Presbyterian Church in Valencia. He also was active with the Beaver-Butler Presbytery.

Mr. Swain was appointed to the advisory board of the Butler County Area Agency on Aging by the Butler County commissioners. As a result of his work with senior citizens, he was awarded a congressional honor through U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart.

Mr. Swain had been active with Boy Scout Troop 58, in addition to being a lifelong ham radio operator.

Mr. Swain is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Swain (née Stein), who he married Dec. 17, 1955; sons, T. Andrew Swain (wife, Sondra) of Ross Township and Daniel M. Swain (wife, Connie) of Akron, Ohio; daughter, Bonnie Swain Schindly (husband, Glen) of Wickliffe, Ohio; grandsons, Joshua and Elijah Swain of Ross Township; and a sister, Janice Swain Beck (late husband, Charles) of Chesterland, Ohio.

<B>SWAIN</B> — Interment services will be private. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Richard S. Swain, who died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, in the Glade Run United Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Greg Wiest as officiant.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glade Run United Presbyterian Church, 1091 Pittsburgh St., Valencia, PA 16059.Services are being provided by the <B>Schellhaas Funeral Home & Cremation Services</B>, Bakerstown. Please pay tribute at www.schellhaasfh.com.