David Robert Swaney of Bradford, 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday (Feb. 13, 2026) at Buffalo (N.Y.) General Hospital.

Born Jan. 21, 1946, in Pittsburgh, he was the first son of Robert F. and June D. Swaney. On July 10, 1971, he married Andrea J. Swaney of Punxsutawney.

In addition to his wife of almost 55 years, he is survived by one daughter, Stephanie (Erik) Wessel of Pinckney, Mich., and their son, Andersson, Dave’s only grandchild; one son, Jared Swaney of Bradford; his sister, Linda (Aubrey) Raper in North Carolina; his brother, Scott (Bonnie) Swaney of Renfrew; three nieces, Jessica, Saysha and Athena; and three nephews, Noah, Jason and William.

Dave earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clarion State College and became an elementary teacher. He taught for 30 years in Bradford schools, where he loved his students and the camaraderie with his fellow teachers. He taught Sunday school and youth group, and led adult Bible studies at West Branch Methodist Church and later at First United Methodist. He was very involved in local outreach programs at both churches because he loved helping others. He was a member of Gideons International, helping to distribute Bibles on many occasions. Dave also coached many different soccer teams throughout the years.

He loved to sing and act, participating in many community productions, the Contemporary Christian Choir and his churches’ choirs and praise teams.

After a courageous battle with several rounds of a rare form of cancer, Dave succumbed to respiratory failure.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Destinations of Bradford, American Cancer Society or Gideons International.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Feb. 20, 2026) at First United Methodist Church.

Funeral arrangements are under direction of Mascho Funeral Home Inc. Online condolences can be expressed at maschofuneral.com.