Obituary of Richard J. Schwitzer

Wayland – Richard J. Schwitzer, “Jake”, 90 years of age passed away Thursday January 5, 2023 at Elderwood Healthcare Facility in Hornell. Jake was born May 21st, 1932 in Wayland the son of Charles and Lottie (Neu) Schwitzer. He grew up in Cohocton and resided there for many years and in 1971, Jake moved to Wayland. He was drafted and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from January 21, 1951 until his honorable discharge January 21, 1953. Jake and Jean Savey were married March 19th, 1966 in Avoca and together celebrated over 50 years of marriage prior to Jean passing away in 2017. His employment career spanned a few different areas that included, sales clerk at Mattoon’s Grocery in Cohocton in the early 1950’s; several years doing farm work and as an employee at Fairbrother’s Gas Station in Cohocton; however most will remember Schwitzer’s Gas Station in Wayland. Jake owned and operated that from 1971 until 1988. Upon sale of the station he kept working there with the new owner, then worked at Lindsey Motors and lastly at the Gunlocke Company. Jake’s hobbies were many as well. He loved golf and every year he was a volunteer at the LPGA event in Corning. He was an active member of the Wayland United Methodist Church volunteering at many of their events; was a member of the Wayland Lions Club for over 40 years as well as a member of the Wayland American Legion for over 50 years. He enjoyed playing cards and every winter you could count on Jake for plowing snow. Jake was pre-deceased by his parents, Charles and Lottie Schwitzer; his wife, Jean Schwitzer; his granddaughter, Kelsey Schwitzer; and his sister Mildred Allen. He is survived by his son, Stephen (Laura) Schwitzer of Wayland; his step-children, Bonnie (Karl) Margison of Avoca, Brenda (John) Fox of S. Bristol, Bill Fleishman of Bath, Betty Odell of Wayland and Barb (Greg) Barton of Hammondsport; 10 grandchildren, Lita Brown, Stephen Schwitzer Jr., Randy and Alan Azzi, John and Nicole Fox, Shannon, Eric and Becca Fleishman, Danny Barton; and Ryan Dye; two great-grandchildren, Cayde and Paige Brown. Jake’s family and friends may call Wednesday January 11, 2023 from 1-4pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. Jake’s funeral service will be at the conclusion of calling hours at 4pm at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Richard “Jake” Schwitzer may be made to the Cohocton Lions Club, PO Box 349, Cohocton, NY 14826