Colonel David Lee Swartzlander (Dave), U.S. Army Retired, passed away peacefully at the age of 76, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, surrounded by his family. Dave was born in Lewisburg, PA, on February 1, 1946, son of the late James Mathews and Betty L. (Wertz) Swartzlander. Dave is preceded in death by older brother James (Jim) Swartzlander (2008) and son Matthew R. Swartzlander (2020).

Dave grew up on the family farm until he was seven, when the family moved into town. Part of the Lewisburg "Peach Tree Alley boys," he was often found playing football and baseball in the alley behind his house. He also participated in Little League Baseball and teener ball. A 1964 graduate of Lewisburg High School, Dave excelled in both wrestling and football, serving as team captain for both sports. Dave spent his summers working on his favorite Uncle Neil's farm or helping his dad, a farmer and long-haul truck driver. He graduated from Lock Haven University in 1969 with his Bachelor of Science in Education. Dave also held a summer job at the Lewisburg swimming pool, serving as Assistant Manager. He met the love of his life, Karen Biernstein, who was also a lifeguard at the pool. They married on July 11, 1970, in Lewisburg and had 52 wonderful years together. They had three children: Christopher David, Matthew Richard and Gretchen Swartzlander.

Dave started his military career in 1969. He completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ. He attended AIT at Fort Jackson, SC. He then went on to Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was then stationed at Fort Riley, KS, as a platoon leader from 1970-1971. He served in combat during the Vietnam War from 1971-1972. Returning from Vietnam, the Swartzlander Family was sent to Fort Hood, TX, onward to Fort Benning, GA and finally to Fort Lee, VA. While stationed at Fort Lee, Dave attended the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL, achieving his Master of Science in Logistics Management in 1977.

Another move was in the works, and the family was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, from 1977-1980, where Dave was an instructor and then appointed as battalion Executive Officer by the Commanding General. Afterward he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, 1980-1983 as the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 61st Infantry Battalion Executive Officer; S4 1st Brigade 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), as well as enjoying going to the National Training Center in California. In 1985 he attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Onward to Washington, DC, where he served in the Pentagon as Office Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (ODCSLOG) from 1985-1987. Dave served as 4th Battalion, 26th Infantry Commander (Blue Spaders) at Fort Dix, NJ, from 1987-89. He enjoyed his time there immensely. Dave then attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) in Washington, DC. Dave was assigned to the US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, in 1990 and served in combat during Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm as the Secretary to the Joint Staff, reporting directly to General Norman Schwarzkopf. He finished out his career with a final assignment in Nairobi, Kenya, as the Kenyan United States Liaison Officer (KUSLO) from 1993-1995.

A well decorated soldier, among his notable military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Air Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. He earned the distinguished Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. He was decorated for service in Vietnam and during Operation Desert Storm. He retired from the Army in 1995, achieving the rank of full Colonel after serving for 27 faithful years.

It was not uncommon for the family to pack up their Ford van and make cross-country moves during their military years. Dave and Karen had a special talent for switching drivers during longer car rides so as to not waste time stopping. Many songs were sung, and 8-tracks played during these long drives, including favorites like John Denver and the Kingston Trio.

After retiring from the Army, Dave and Karen enjoyed time off traveling around the United States, cheering at Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Baseball games in Bradenton, FL, and relaxing at home in his pool. Pretty soon, he was given his Honey-Do Lists, and decided he wasn't quite ready for full retirement. Dave started his second career as a substitute teacher for local middle schools in Hillsborough County, FL. He often served as a permanent substitute for teachers out on leave. Dave was an active member of his local church, St. Andrews United Methodist, and participated in the annual Methodist Conference as a church representative.

Possessing a unique charm that encouraged others to share their life stories, Dave rarely met a stranger. Much to the delight and amazement of his children and grandchildren, he always seemed to attract Pennsylvanians. He instilled a love, pride, and loyalty for Family and Country to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid reader enjoying books on history, specifically the Civil War and military strategy. He enjoyed entertaining his children with a kazoo when they were younger, playing "Name That Tune." He was often singing and had a rich, wonderful voice. A lover of crossword puzzles, card games, and playing Jeopardy, he never missed an opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge.

Dave was honored with the Lewisburg High School Distinguished Alumni Award and enjoyed "going home" to Pennsylvania to attend class reunions, visiting with family and friends. In his younger days he was often found out in the woods or corn fields during buck season or hunting pheasant. An avid fan of Penn State football, Pittsburgh Pirates baseball, Pittsburgh Steelers football and both high school and college wrestling, his weekends often involved watching multiple sports at the same time. He especially enjoyed watching his "Grandies" compete in their various sporting events and rarely missed a game. In more recent years he was often found holding court at his regular table at Panera Bread, discussing the state of the world, sports and reliving glory days.

Dave is survived by his wife and love of his life of 52 years, Karen; Son and daughter in Law Chris and Kimberly Swartzlander of Lithia, FL; Daughter Gretchen Swartzlander of Riverview, FL; Daughter in law Tina Swartzlander of Lithia, FL; Daughter in law Jennifer Swartzlander of Lithia, FL; Sister and brother in law Carol and Larry Snook of Lewisburg, PA; Brother and sister in law Philip and Bridget Swartzlander of Denver, CO; Sister in law Susan Swartzlander of Las Vegas, NV; Seven Grandchildren: Kathleen, David, Jason and Jacob Swartzlander, Jackson Swartzlander, and Katherine and Grace Frerking; Eleven nieces and nephews and numerous Great nieces and nephews.
Dave, My Honey, Dad, Pop, Uncle Dave, Grandpa was widely loved and respected by his family and friends. He will be missed.

Services will be held Friday, October 14, 2022, at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Brandon, FL, with a private military honors service and burial at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be directed to the Lewisburg Area High School "David Swartzlander Scholarship", LAHS Foundation, PO Box 228, Lewisburg, PA 17837.




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