Daniel Swain

We lost a true original this week. After a courageous nine-year battle with Alzheimer’s, Dan passed away, surrounded by the love of the family he cherished above all else.

Born in Scottsville, NY on March 31, 1944, Dan lived his entire life in the town he loved, becoming one of its most remarkable and enduring figures. He was the middle child of five boys born to Bill and Milly Swain and he stayed incredibly close to his brothers Gene, Bill, Tom and Tim throughout his life. That Swain bond was unbreakable — in life, in racing, and in everything they did. From a young boy overcoming a stutter to a confident, driven adult, Dan was never defined by limitations, only by the joy he brought to others and the passions he pursued.

Dan was a star athlete at Wheatland-Chili, excelling in soccer, baseball, and basketball. He carried that competitive spirit to Alfred University, where he earned a degree in ceramic engineering while continuing to shine as an athlete. But Dan was more than just an engineer or an athlete—he was a renaissance man. From playing bass in rock-and-roll bands like The Sportsmen and Nik and the Nice Guys, to piloting hot air balloons, to building a successful company, Swain Tech Coatings, Dan did it all with heart, style and a huge smile on his face.

Racing was a lifelong passion. As the driver of the iconic #44, Danny Swain made an indelible mark on western New York’s racing scene, especially at Spencer Speedway, where he won many races, and took home the 1972 NY State Championship. Amazingly, Dan was not only the driver, he was also the artist behind each of the different Swain Brothers colorful paint schemes and memorable cars over the years. The Swain Brothers Racing Team—powered by his brothers Tim, Tom, and Gene—was more than a team; it was a testament to family and the legacy passed down by their father, Bill.

He married the love of his life, Linda, in 1968, and through over 56 years of marriage they built a life full of adventure, love, faith, and most of all, family. Dan was a proud father to Brennan, Shannon, and Ryan, and nothing brought him more joy than watching them participate or compete in sports, musicals, dance, BMX freestyle, racing or whatever other activity they wanted to do. He coached their teams, was crew chief when they raced, cheered from the sidelines and never missed a game or event. That same spirit fueled his successful business, Swain Tech Coatings, which he and Linda launched in 1981. Dan combined his engineering skills with his racing passion to create a legacy company that still thrives today thanks to his son-in-law, Richard.

He stayed active in his later years, visiting countless countries while cruising the world with Linda and visiting Brennan in Southern California on a yearly basis. He continued his addiction to racing by racing his corvette in several editions of the Cannonball One Lap of America in the 2000s, an event that took him all over the U.S. with his sons and brother, Tim, as co-drivers during the different years that he raced. He also continued to play bass with The Sportsmen, the band he started with grade school friends Tom Martin and Bill Dewitt, well into his 60s.

The 2000s also brought the excitement of grandchildren. As a grandfather to Ashly, Emmaline, Clara, Sullivan, Abbot and Cam, Dan found a whole new focus for his love and energy—through his proud stories, quiet enthusiasm and boundless affection. His legacy lives on in them.

He was a true Scottsville original — an athlete, engineer, musician, artist, racer, entrepreneur, and most of all, a family man. He will be missed beyond words but remembered always — in the roar of an engine, the rhythm of a bassline, the lift of a balloon, and the love he gave to all who knew him.

Rest easy, Dan. You were — and always will be — one of Scottsville’s finest.

The family will be having a celebration of life to honor Danny within the next couple of months. We will provide more information when we have it. No calling hours. The family will hold Dan's Celebration of Life at Jack's Place 760 Scottsville-Chili Rd, Scottsville on September 20, 2025 from 2-5 PM to RSVP please use this link.

https://evite.me/yEbXPqxxNb