Charles Swope Obituary

Charles David Swope

Charles David Swope Jr. (Dave) moved from this world Friday, March 20, 2026. Dave was born March 25, 1945, and raised in Fort Seneca. He graduated from Old Fort High School and from Ohio University, where he became a life-long brother of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. After college, Dave had a 38-year career at IBM, followed by 10 years as a real estate agent, before retiring.

Dave's hobbies were his passions in life. He learned to scuba dive and spent as much time as he could underwater. With his captain's license, he ran his charter dive boat "FINS" in Long Island Sound. Dave volunteered at the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven and contributed in many ways. He studied New Jersey shipwrecks and developed a large network of shipwreck friends who helped him expand the museum's historical records.

Dave is predeceased by his parents, Charles Sr. and Eva Duffey Swope. He is also predeceased by Sandy, the best dog ever.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy, and husband, David Black; son, Christopher Swope, and wife, Jessica; grandchildren, Lillian and Penelope Swope; siblings, Ann Scullion and John Swope; and Toby, the other best dog ever.

There will be no funeral or memorial service for Dave. He will be cremated and his ashes scattered at sea over a shipwreck.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the New Jersey Maritime Museum (NJMM.org). All of Dave's life after age 14 was a gift for which he is grateful. He thanks those who participated in his life in any way and would like to quote the wise and eloquent Capt. Eddie Boyle: "I was here at a good time, and I had a good time while I was here."