Richard Switzer, 82, of Endwell, N.Y., passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Dick was greeted at his heavenly home by his wife of 45 years, Lura, their infant son, and his sisters, Patricia and Marjorie Symonds. He leaves his daughter and her husband, Cynthia and Kevin Emmons, Binghamton, his son and his wife, Thomas and Mary Switzer, Binghamton, and his beloved grandchildren, Kelly and Kathleen Emmons, and Lindsey and Justin Switzer. He is also survived by his sister Jacqueline (Hank) Sherwood, Maryland, brother-in-law Donald (Mary) Gulliver, Lancaster, Pa. and several nieces and nephews. Dick was born in Erwin, NY and graduated from Addison Central High School, Addison, N.Y. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, he graduated from Alfred Tech, and soon after began a career of over 30 years with IBM. He enjoyed many years of summer vacations with his family on Keuka Lake. Through the years he participated in bowling leagues and pitch leagues, and enjoyed attending the Addison Alumni Banquet yearly. During his retirement he especially enjoyed his Knock Rummy games with friends at the Vestal Elks, his Tuesday night pitch league at the Endicott Elks, his Thursday afternoon gatherings with friends, and his Last Thursday of the Month Luncheons with fellow IBM retirees at Kristopher’s. He had many special stories that he enjoyed sharing with others. He was a member of Union Center United Methodist Church, a Lifetime Member of the Endicott Elks, a member of the American Legion, and the VFW.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday 10:30 am from Union Center United Methodist Church, 128 Maple Drive, Endicott. Burial will be in Maine Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Friday from 4-7 pm. The BPOE Elks Lodge #1977, Endicott will conduct a Lodge of Sorrow Service Friday at 6:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, he wished for donations to be made to The USO, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC, 20077-7677, for the comfort they provided to him and other service members while away from home.