Obituary of Richard Swavely Richard Allen “Dick” Swavely, 92, of State College, died Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at Centre Crest. Born June 16, 1926, in Pottstown, PA, Dick was the son of the late Russell A. and Edna Frech Swavely. Growing up, he enjoyed swimming, tennis and playing trumpet in several dance bands.
Music was a big part of his life. He enjoyed all the famous band leaders of his day at Sunnybrook Ballroom. He graduated Pottstown High School in 1944.
Dick served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific theater aboard the USS Lagrange from 1944 to 1946. During his freshman year, while attending Bucknell University, he met the love of his life, Christine Charlotte Beagle. They married on September 1, 1951 and were happily married until her death in 2007.
Both graduated from Bucknell in 1952. Later he received a master’s degree from Temple University. He is survived by two daughters both of State College.
Karen Swavely Neild Clark with John Clark and Brenda Swavely Vruwink and her husband Kenneth. Eight grandchildren including Julie Neild Howell and husband Jonathan; Jennifer Neild Fox and husband Joseph; Robert Vruwink and wife Tracey; Michael Vruwink and wife Brittany; Kimberly Vruwink Malizia and husband Michael; Matthew Vruwink; Christine Vruwink; and Benjamin Vruwink. Seven great-grandchildren; Dean and Harper Howell; Blaine, Samson, Charles and Coralie Fox; and Madison Malizia.
Also surviving are two sisters, Joyce Yeager of Mechanicsburg and Carole Needham of San Tan Valley, Arizona. Dick worked for The Pennsylvania State University for over 30 years retiring in 1986 as one of the Directors of Continuing Education. He briefly worked as the business manager for John Haas Architect.
In 1988 he joined Chis in real estate, when she opened her own office, working side by side for many years. During this time Dick served as President of the State College Chamber of Commerce. Dick enjoyed golf, Penn State football, tailgating and taking bus trips to away games.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m., on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., on Monday, October 29, 218 at the funeral home with the Reverend Scott Schul officiating.
Burial will be in the Centre County Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S Garner St, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College.
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