Richard Dean Swaldo

Richard Dean Swaldo passed away early on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2024 at Medina Cleveland Clinic at the age of 92.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Donna Jean Lahmers Swaldo, and by his infant son, David. Dean was born to Eugene and Mary (Gervasi) Swaldo on December 6, 1931. He is survived by daughters Laurie (Jim) Switzer, Deanna (Chris) Gundlah and Lisa (Hal) Wagoner. He was proud grandpa to his grandchildren Alicia Switzer Nickels (Kurt), Jessica Switzer Leavitt (Adam), Adam Gundlah (Alyssa, fiancée), Lindsay Gundlah Belz (Brian); and Olivia Wagoner and Nathan Wagoner. His littlest ones include great-grandchildren Lucille (Lucy) and Cameron Nickels.

Dean was born in Goshen, Ohio into a family of 10 siblings. He is survived by Emma Jean King (Sonny), Ted Swaldo (Linda), Cheryl Fickes (Jack) and many nieces and nephews. Those who passed before him include brothers and sisters—Eileen Machan, Gene Swaldo, Bill Swaldo, Frank Swaldo, Charlene Weaver, and Gary Swaldo

Professionally, Dean retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation as a Land Acquisition Supervisor and traveled Ohio purchasing property to create the interstate highway systems. He was a Licensed Realtor in the State of Ohio and a member of the American Right of Way Association. After retirement from the state position, he worked for The Kimble Companies and truly enjoyed his final working years with them. In addition, he was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving during the Korean War.

Earlier in life, Dean enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school, athletic, music and dance performances, traveling with Donna, and spending time at their cottage on Tabor Lake near Carrollton, Ohio. Dean enjoyed people and they enjoyed him. He served his community in a variety of capacities, including Tuscarawas County Fair Board member, York Township Trustee, and New Philadelphia Band Parent President. He was an active member of the York Township Volunteer Fire Department, Ohio Highway Patrol Auxiliary, Democratic Central Committee, and New Philadelphia Elks Club. He and Donna raised their daughters as part of the Jerusalem Church family where he was a Consistory Board member.

In 2020, Dean moved to Strongsville, Ohio to be closer to his daughters and their families. He is returning home to New Philadelphia for his memorial service and interment at Evergreen Burial Park.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 10 – 11 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial gifts be sent to the Quaker Foundation, PO Box 627, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 where they can be used to support scholarships or grants to teachers to enhance classroom instruction.