Richard “Top” Swank, 93
Published 5:31 pm Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Richard “Top” Swank, 93
Master Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, Retired, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the age of 93.
A decorated Marine, Top volunteered for service to go to Korea in 1949 and dedicated 24 years to active duty, including multiple tours in Vietnam, before retiring in 1973. His distinguished military career earned him numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Unit Citation, and Good Conduct Medal.
Born and raised in Austin, MN, Dick was the proud son of Harold “Babe” and Hazel Swank. He graduated from Austin High School and often reminisced about his childhood neighborhood and working alongside his father on the railroad before joining the Marine Corps.
Following his retirement from military service, Top continued to serve his country by mentoring young minds as an instructor in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC programs at Adams City High School in Colorado and Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada, for nearly two decades. He held all of his students in the highest regard, always referring to them as his extended “family” and “kids.” His dedication to service extended into community affairs as a past Commandant of the Black Mountain Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Henderson, NV.
Top is survived by his loving family and extended families, including his sons Rod Swank and wife Robin; Thomas Swank and partner Chuck; daughter Catherine Doty and husband David; with grandchildren Natasha, Camryn, and Danielle; daughter Patricia Trombetti-Miller with grandsons Dominic and Kirby; and son James Swank and wife Tammy with grandsons Andrew and Mason.
He will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife of 55 years, Harue Swank. Services will be held at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV, on March 31, 2025, at 11:20 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Boulder Creek Golf Club pavilion from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in memory of Top Swank to one of his favorite charities, ASPCA, to continue his love of animals and their care.