Fred Parks Swiss: February 15, 1941 – July 21, 2021
Fred was Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up in Murrysville, PA under the loving guidance of his parents Jane and Jack Swiss. He attended Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, where he excelled in science and art. His creativity and artistic talents led him to Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) and a career in architecture and city planning. Prior to working for the city of Pittsburgh, Fred was inducted into the army during the Vietnam war. After completing Officer Candidate School, he served for four years in Vietnam before ending his military service as a captain.
Fred had a passion for rugby, skiing, bagpipes (a nod to the Scottish component of his heritage), travel, and good food. Along with variously playing, coaching, and refereeing rugby, Fred was also a member of the Ski Patrol at Laurel Mountain ski slopes. For many years he helped to organize the gathering of the vendors at the Ligonier, PA Highland Games. He took pleasure in cooking gourmet meals which he happily shared with fortunate family and friends. His recreational interests extended to sports car racing, motorcycle riding, and sailing. Fred lived a full and happy life and was an adored uncle and brother. His life was enriched by many special friends including his two former wives.
Along with six nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Fred is survived by his siblings Andrea Miller of Bar Harbor, Maine, Judith Lyles of Ellsworth, Maine, and Alan Swiss of Export, Pennsylvania. We will miss our wonderfully eccentric brother and will remember fondly his quirky sense of humor and the entertaining stories he told.
For those wishing to honor Fred’s memory, a private toast to him (a peated Scotch) , or a donation to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (https://humaneanimalrescue.org/), or to a charity of their choice would be most appreciated.
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