Richard Stanley Swierczek

Richard Swierczek left this earth in the very early morning hours of Tuesday May 21st, 2024 in Chatham Massachusetts. He was at home surrounded by his six daughters, music, some tears and some gentle laughter. He was just a month shy of 98.

Richard and his wife Anne Snyder Swierczek raised six daughters in Fulton NY where Richard had a full and distinguished career as the musical director for the school system. His wide variety of musical groups included a 70-voice men’s chorus, staging full scale community musicals, children's programs and his award-winning high school band program. His goal was to involve everyone in the town with music and it is possible he achieved that!

Richard retired, as he promised he would, to Cape Cod in the early 80s. In addition to his enormous musical impact as a music teacher, Richard lived a life of energy and passion and never stopped being curious and interested in all things. He loved books, language, word play and humor. In his younger years it was tennis, biking, gardening, cooking, clamming, the gym, and of course constantly tinkering with things. He was often heard saying "Who has had a better life!"

Richard kept up with many of his former students, many of whom became music teachers, hearing from them from time to time and visiting with them when they came to the Cape. His former student Kevin Owen, now a Boston Symphony French horn player, came from Boston to perform for him one last time before he passed.

Richard is survived by his six daughters - Suzanne, Celia, Ellen Lisa, Amy, and Katy and their respective spouses, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

An in-depth look at his musical career can be seen here: Richard Swierczek Career ( https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/richard-swierczek-brought-excellence-to-fulton-music-community/ )

A private memorial will be held at a later date. Contributions in honor of Richard Swierczek can be made to: www.fultonmusicassociation.com or P.O. Box 727, Fulton, NY 13069.