Dr. Richard S. Schweichler, DPT

Dr. Richard S. Schweichler, DPT

of Lackawanna on November 27th, 2015 at the Age of 88.

Father of Michelle (Walter Koczot) Chapman, Richard (Sandra), Maria Regina (Joseph Walsh), David M. (Coco Dorneanu) and Beth Marie (late Teddy Weber) Schweichler.

Brother of James (late Lona) Schweichler.

Also survived by 9 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren.

Visitation Wednesday; December 9th from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at

NORMAN E. GANNON & SONS, Inc. FUNERAL HOME, 1075 Ridge Road, Lackawanna (824-4000).  Friends are invited to join the family for The Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Victory Basilica on Thursday; December 10th at 10:30 a.m.  Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Dr. Schweichler was a life-long resident of Lackawanna.  He was the Senior Class of 1945 President of Lackawanna High School.  Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy serving as Fireman 2nd Class.  In 1947 he attended Brockport University, playing on that college's first football team.  In 1954 he became a Registered Physical Therapist in New York and Florida.  In 1964 he received his Masters of Science from Canisius College and was appointed to the New York State Physiotherapy Grievance Committee, serving for over 8 years.  In 1965 he recieved his Doctor of Mechanotherapy Degree from Great Lakes College in Ohio.

Dr. Schweichler was active in drama and appeared in local plays well into his late 70's.  He was an avid golfer and long-time member of Bridgewater Country Club in Fort Erie, Ontario.  He was also an Honorary Air Force Recruiter.

In 1973 he was named Director of Daemen College Physical Therapy Program, a position he held for 22 years; retiring in 1996. In 1997 he received the rank of Professor Emeritus from Daemen College. 

As quoted by Michael S. Brogan, DPT, PhD; Vice President for Academic Affairs - Dean of the College: "Dr. Schweichler designed, established, implemented and directed the Daemen College Physical Therapy Program.  He served with honor and distinction as the Director of Physical Therapy for 22 years.  Under his leadership the program thrived and has transitioned from a Bachelors to a Doctoral Degree, with over 3000 graduates.  He is credited for the sucess and national recognition the program enjoys today.  His commitment to the profession and to the standard of excellence was unparalleled.  Since his retirement, the program awards the physical therapy graduate with the highest grade point average, the Dr. Richard Schweichler Director's Award each year at the Academic Honors Ceremony in May, one day prior to Commencement.  At the college, he was deeply respected and admired for his work ethic, integrity and overall contribution to the evolution, maturation and growth of the college, mainly attributable to the program he initiated and its immediate success."

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