Richard John Schwartz

Richard J. Schwartz, age 83, died peacefully on the 4th of May in 2026, with his beloved daughter Lorrain at his side in his log cabin he built in Forkston, PA. He was surrounded by loving family and close friends in his final days. Formerly of Glassboro, NJ, the son of Richard P. Schwartz and Grace E. McGonigle Schwartz, he was born on the 5th of May in 1942. His formative education was at Glassboro High, Gloucester County College, and Salem Technical School - all in NJ.

He served his country for 4 years in the Air Force during the Vietnam war era, originally stationed in Rantoul, Illinois where his daughter Lorrain was born on the 3rd of February in the year of 1966, and then transferred to Alaska. His wife Joan, whom he married on the 11th of November in the year of 1964 and their daughter, Lorrain joined him in Alaska, Meanwhile, Richard drove the ~ 3,500 miles from Chicago to Fairbanks. Alaska played a key role in Arctic defense, and supported transport planes that brought wounded soldiers home. In Alaska, he achieved the rank of Sargent helping his country by maintaining a fleet of vehicles and select aircraft. The Air Force recognized his superior mechanical ability, and he was called on many times. During his time in the duty station the family survived cold weather, a flood, and the Great Alaska Earthquake.

Honorably discharged, he returned to his hometown Glassboro where son Richard was born on October 17, 1968. and worked as a machinist for the Owens-Illinois manufacturing plant, and later was transferred to the photo business as a photo composer plate maker for Owens. Retiring after 30 years of devoted service, he joined with his brother in a construction and home improvement business.

After this successful venture Richard bought 20 acres in Forkston, and with the help of his younger brother Jake built a hand-crafted log cabin, and various outbuildings, He was skilled in carpentry, plumbing and masonry and used those honed skills to finish his home. His property was his "national park" maintained with rebuilt farm machinery reflecting his love of all classic vehicles from cars to tractors. He became a community fixture helping others by fixing anything that was broken even supporting the Amish farmers and the public works department, the pay an occasional pie. As if he didn't have enough projects, with members of the community he worked to restore Forkston Cemetery with his friend, Mat. Always kind, and generous he was much appreciated. Just as he cared for his mother in her illness he cared for his wife Joan in her later years in Forkston.

Richard was a devoted and loving father, husband, brother and friend. He had a wry sense of humor, a strong work ethic, a high moral code, and a quick, sharp intelligence. His smile and laugh would light up a room. He enjoyed socializing with a diverse mix of people. He had an ardent love of nature, animals, plants, and the starry sky. He travelled extensively on motorcycle with friends and with his son Richard and his daughter Lorrain. Adventures included Great smoky mountains, Canada, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon and Novia Scotia. Memories were preserved in many photo albums and hearts alike. He loved restoring antique and classic cars and working on cars with his son Richard.

Richard was predeceased by his mother and father and wife Joan. He is survived by his son, Richard Schwartz, and his wife Jen; by his daughter Lorrain, and her husband Richard Stevens; Charles Schwartz his brother and his wife Dolores (favorite sister in law), his nephews Charles and Matthew Schwartz and his wife Tammy, his grand nieces Sydney, Ava and Mya, close to his heart like daughters, Sue Gerhard and Tina Cammarata.

As a legacy, he left beautiful and true igneous stone walls lining his property separating woodland and meadow. Placed stone on stone their strength and beauty is truly a marvel and a reflection of the man he was and the memory he leaves us all.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Richard's love of nature please make a donation to a local or national park of your choice

Family and friends are invited to attend Richard's funeral services which will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM from the Marcho, Sheldon, and Kukuchka Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 73 W. Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Interment will be held in Forkston Cemetery with full military honors.

A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday.