A Memorial Service for Richard H. Swigart, Ph.D. will be held on Saturday, July 7, 3:00-5:00 pm at Forest Hills Commons – 9107 Taylorsville Road.
For those who are able and wish to celebrate Dick’s incredible life – you are welcome to attend.
"The sport of tennis and it's people meant a great deal to him" said his son John Swigart.
Richard H. Swigart, Ph.D., 92, of Louisville, KY, passed away Monday, April 9th at Baptist Hospital East. "Dick" was born on July 7, 1925, in Lewistown, PA, the son of the late Arthur and Hilda (Hanawalt) Swigart. Here he developed a special interest in athletics with the encouragement of the director of the local YMCA.
In World War II Dick enlisted in the Navy Air corps as a pilot in training. He earned his undergraduate degree at University of North Carolina (UNC) while competing on the university tennis team. He graduated a Phi Beta Kappa with his B.A. in 1947. Continuing his education, Dick graduated from Columbia University in 1948 with a physical therapy certificate. In 1953 he received his Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Minnesota. Prior to graduating, Dick married a former student, Jacqueline (Jackie) Ann Irons on December 26, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN. In 1953, Dick and Jackie moved to Louisville, where he developed a distinguished 42 year career teaching, researching, and administrating at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dick was a long-time member and supporter of Saint Paul United Methodist Church.
A lifelong tennis advocate and competitive player, Dick founded the Kentucky Tennis Association, won numerous titles in local, state and regional tournaments, and was later inducted to the Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame.
Dick is survived by his wife Jackie, children Sally, Dan (Billie Jo), and John (Sherry), six grandchildren, sister-in-law Sally Kamps, and two nieces.
As in life, Dick continues to serve in death, by participating in the University of Louisville Body Bequeathal Program of the School of Medicine. A Living Memorial will be held on Dick's birthday, July 7, 2018, at a location and time to be announced.