Obituary of Richard Swain

Richard "Dick" Swain Richard "Dick" Swain, age 88, of Erie, passed away Monday, October, 31 2011 at Golden Living-Western Reserve. Richard "Dick" was the oldest of 10 children born to Harlan and Irene (Horrell) Swain on November 9, 1922. He graduated in 1941 from Academy High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his return, he met and married his wife of 64 years, Frieda Ruf. Richard retired from GE in 1986, after 38 years of service. He will be lovingly remembered for his great sense of humor, his love of children of all ages, his willingness to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was so proud of his family and never hesitated to brag about their accomplishments. Every new member of the family was pronounced "a keeper" by Grampa Swain. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Jack and Donald Swain, and 2 sisters, Lillian Swain Meyer and Ruth Swain Hammer. Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children: Patricia (husband Joseph) Krol, Marilyn Swain, Richard M. Swain, Jr., (wife Valerie), and JoAnn (husband Hal) Brunner, 4 sisters: Geraldine Henning, Barbara (husband James) Crain, Helen (husband William) Schau, and Susan (husband David) Kensinger, all of Erie, PA, and his brother Bruce (wife Carolyn) Swain of St. Cloud, FL. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited there on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. for prayers followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George RC Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 1030 State Street, Suite 303, Erie, PA 16501. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video