Richard M. "Pete" Swauger, 67, of Morris Park, Lopatcong Twp., died Monday, February 17, 1997 in Easton Hospital.

He was an accountant for the former Bell and Howell Company, Phillipsburg for 33 years, retiring in 1991.

Born January 31, 1930, he was the son of the late B. Peter and Frances Watkus Swauger.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, where he was also a member of the church council, was a treasurer and taught Sunday school classes for many years. He was also named as Church Member of the Year in 1973.

He was a 1947 graduate of Phillipsburg High School, attended Rutgers University and graduated from Churchman's Business School in Easton.

He played basketball for the Churchman's Basketball team and also played baseball with the Tri-County League. He also enjoyed playing golf.

He was an exempt member of the Delaware Park Fire Co., Lopatcong Twp. And was also the current treasurer of the Delaware Park Exempt Fireman's Association.

He served as the treasurer for the Township of Lopatcong from 1968 to 1972 and was a member of the Lopatcong Twp. Planning Board from 1968 to 1972. He was also a member of the National Association of Accountants.

He and his wife, the former Dorothy M. Van Emburg, observed their 45th wedding anniversary January 26th.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Richard A. of White Twp., NJ; two daughters, Jody S. Baguskis of Bethlehem Twp., NJ, and Jane D. Scrudota of Hoboken, NJ.; a sister, Doris J. Casey of Phillipsburg and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Friday, in St. John's Lutheran Church, Chamber St., Phillipsburg. Calling hours will be held 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm Thursday in the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St., Phillipsburg and Friday, from Noon until time of services in the church.

The family requests memorial contribution to the church, 278 Chambers St., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865-2969.