Richard "Dick" 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 July 31 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, 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), and grandchildren Kayla, Richard, Clay and Calvin, his second wife Audree and her children, grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends all knew how much he loved them and how much they loved him. 

Dick was a member of the Slate Lick United Presbyterian Church and the Freeport Area Kiwanis Club.

He was an automobile technician at Gulf Research, Harmarville for 31 years, prior to his retirement in 1985.

His impact on the racing community cannot be understated and could fill a book. Don Gamble wrote a great piece several years ago that can be found here: https://m.facebook.com/RappinOnRacin/posts/remember-when-dick-swartzlandera-racing-institutionthis-is-a-reprint-from-racing/2166910716694254/

He was also very proud of the time he spent defending our great nation in the United States Marines.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Thursday, Aug. 3rd in the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth Street, Freeport, 724-295-3100 where funeral committal ceremonies will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, August 4th. Reverend Mark S. Davis will officiate. Private burial will follow in the Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dick’s caregiver, Robin and her son Noah.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Dick" Swartzlander, please visit our floral store.