Steven Righton Swicegood Fairfax, Virginia Obituary

Steven Righton Swicegood

Steven Righton Swicegood was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 19, 2017. Steve was born on May 15, 1961 in North Hollywood, California to Harry and Shelly Swicegood. Soon after, his family moved to Rochester, New York, and welcomed his sister Cindi (Sadowski). Steve graduated from Penfield High School as class president and valedictorian. He then entered the ROTC program at the University of Virginia. Steve remained a tried and true UVA fan (Wahoowa!) throughout his adult life, treasuring his lasting friendships with his college roommates - to them, he will always be “Swice”. Steve graduated with a full commission in the United States Navy in 1983 and he served his country faithfully over the next 20 years. During his Naval career, he taught at the Royal Naval college in Dartmouth, England, served on the USS Taylor, the USS Anzio, the USS Scott, and with the Sixth Fleet in Gaeta, Italy. His final post was under the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon. Following his retirement, he worked for the consulting firm Whitney, Bradley, and Brown in Reston. Steve met his beloved wife Joan in Key West, Florida. They met, they danced, and a pen-pal courtship followed. The pair were married in Charleston, South Carolina in April 1986. Steve and Joan had three daughters: Ashley, Victoria and Susan. The family lived around the world during Steve's Naval career, eventually settling in Springfield, Virginia when he retired in 2003. Steve and Joan had the privilege of seeing all three of their daughters marry wonderful men, and were proud to watch them earn their master's degrees. Steve could often be heard quoting his favorite movies, educating his daughters on “classic” music and movies, or telling his favorite stories. He was a man of faith, serving as an Elder at Calvary Christian Church for the last few years. He will be remembered for his vivacious approach to life, his commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the generous love he demonstrated to his family and friends. Steve is preceded in death by his father, Harry, and survived by his best friend and wife of 31 years Joan (nee Sanders), his precious daughters Ashley (Justin), Victoria (Ryan), and Susan (Tyler), and by his mother Shelly Swicegood, his sister Cindi (Hank) and niece Theresa Sadowski. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, August 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Rd. Fairfax, VA. A memorial service will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 26 at Calvary Christian Church, 9800 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA. Reception will follow at the church. Memorial donations can be made to Grundy Mountain Mission School.
May 15, 1961 - August 19, 201705/15/196108/19/2017
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Funeral Home Owner
May 10, 2018
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April Keck DeGennaro, CLAS 83
February 3, 2018
One of the saddest Class Notes from the UVA alumni magazine was news of Swice's passing. Swice made so many people's college memories better. Please know that your family is in the thoughts of many of Steve's UVA friends and acquaintances. He will be missed at our 35th r... Continue Reading
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Sharon Shew
December 21, 2017
Joan, Just saw this news and am devastated for you--such a good, loving man. It must have been very sudden and that is the worst. I know that he treasured you and those girls and that you fit together like peas and carrots. If you ever need or want to talk, please call o... Continue Reading
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Dalton Kennedy - Anzio
December 7, 2017
Joan, Like Gene and Rusty below, I just saw this. I can't express the sorrow I feel. You, the girls and the entire family have our deepest prayers. I remember the conversations on Anzio about his feelings for his family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. He will a... Continue Reading
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Gene Treants, CMC USA Anzio (Ret)
December 6, 2017
So sorry to learn about this. We often lose track of even the best Shipmates, and Steve certainty qualified as that. He will be sorely missed. My belated thoughts and prayers go to his family.
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Rusty Bower, SKCS (SW) USN
December 6, 2017
I just found out today of Steve's passing. He was way too you to leave this world. GOD has his calling for all of us. I was a Plank Owner with Steve aboard the USS ANZIO. He was a "hands on" Department Head. Always greeting you with a smile and something nice to say, he ... Continue Reading
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Patty Decarli
November 21, 2017
I worked with Steve. He always made it a point to say "good morning" every morning to myself and my colleague. He always had a good sense of humor, drive, and was a kind person. A big loss!
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Bill Mason
September 6, 2017
Steve was a genuinely good person. It was a blessing to have worked with him. I admired his great expertise, tireless dedication, and gracious sense of humor. He will be missed by many.
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Mike Belter OSC, USN RET.
August 31, 2017
Steve was a great guy and Shipmate. We, the Plankowners of the USS Taylor feel the loss of our Shipmate "Swice". Condolences to his family and friends.
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Paul M. Heller SMC(SW) USN RET
August 30, 2017
Mr. Swicegood always took the time to help myself and anyone that asked. He was a kind and generous man that I will remember with honor and respect. God bless him.
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Michael J Van Wert
August 30, 2017
Fair winds and following seas CDR Swicegood, prayers and my thoughts are with the family of CDR Swicegood, When he was a LTjg and a LT. he was my CIC Division officer on USS Taylor FFG50. Best Division Officer I ever had in my 22 years in the Navy; smart, great leadershi... Continue Reading
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