Richard Harter Swigart

Richard Harter Swigart, 87, of New Philadelphia, died on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Community Hospice Truman House. 

He was born on May 20, 1936, in Barberton, Ohio, the second son of Ford H., Sr., and Edna (Harter) Swigart.  He graduated from Barberton High School in 1954 and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Otterbein College and a master’s degree in counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

He worked as a probation officer for Summit County Juvenile Court before moving to New Philadelphia in 1973 for a position at Community Mental Healthcare from which he retired in 1998 after 25 years of service.  For ten years after his retirement, he was a substitute teacher in the New Philadelphia City Schools and Buckeye Career Center. 

He married Agnes Kauffman on June 27, 1970, Greensburg, PA.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Gwen (Brian) Nichols and Ellen (Doug) Wolfe of Westerville, OH; grandchildren Carson Nichols of Orlando, FL, Mabry Nichols, Griffin Wolfe, and Bria Wolfe of Westerville; nephews and niece Kirk (Jill) Swigart of Delaware, Steven Swigart and Dana Kaye Hamilton of Texas. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Ford H., Sr., and Kaye Swigart, and his wife’s parents Wendell and Grace Kauffman.

During their many years together Richard and Agnes traveled extensively throughout the United States and other countries. Richard’s hobbies included riding motorcycles and photography. He was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church.

The family will greet friends on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory at New Philadelphia. Rev. Carolyn Baker will officiate a service in the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Schoenbrunn Meadows Cemetery, New Philadelphia, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave., SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Ave., NE, New Philadelphia.