Daniel R. Swartz

Daniel R. Swartz of Frackville passed away peacefully on Monday, at home and surrounded by his beloved family.  He was 87 years old.

Born in Frackville, Danny (or Dan, as he was sometimes called) was a son of the late Charles and Myrle (Brosius) Swartz. As a young man, Danny shared a love for all animals, especially horses, and enjoyed horseback riding.  He enjoyed the beach and was a strong swimmer.  Danny loved to socialize too, and was an exceptional jitterbug and swing dancer as well.  His dance card was always full.

Danny married the former Mary L. O"Boyle and raised his family in Queens, NY as a well-respected member of the electrical workers union (IBEW).  He was a hard worker, committed to his trade and served as a Project Foreman until his retirement. He worked in many fine skyscrapers and met many notables in his career as a NYC electrician, but was mostly known, at the same time, for his humility and common touch. As a supervisor, Danny expected professionalism from his crew, and offered respect and generosity in return.

After retirement, Danny returned to Frackville and built his own home, which was a great source of pride to him and his family, and served as the hearth for all holidays thereafter.  Danny was always a good card player, and became an expert puzzle and game player in his later years.  He loved playing "Words with Friends" with his family and neighbors, and took great pleasure in finding multiple word scores.  As competitive as he was in sports and games, he was equally generous with his time, offering help and guidance with whatever resources he had, from tools to flowers.  In fact, he was known to many as the Candy Man, always carrying various favorite treats with him, which he shared with everyone.

Above all, Danny was the ideal family man - a perfect provider and husband to his wife and a devoted father and grandfather. His daughters and granddaughters were a constant source of pride, concern and delight to him, and they in turn doted on him.

Danny was preceded in death by two brothers - Donald and Wally Swartz.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, with whom he would have celebrated 53 years of marriage this Thursday; his two loving daughters - Regina Swartz of Montclair, NJ and her companion, Erik Maran, and Renee and her husband, William Sturtevant of Whitehall, PA; his brother, Jay and his wife, Helene Swartz of Oregon; his sister, Jane and her husband, Jim Morgan of Harrisburg, PA; his two wonderful grandchildren - Samantha and Rebecca Sturtevant; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

A former Sunday school teacher, Dan was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Frackville. Contributions can be made, in Danny's name, to the memorial fund of Zion Lutheran Church at 48 South Nice Street, Frackville, PA 17931.