David Cates Switzer, Ph.D.

David C. Switzer, Ph.D., 77, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully at Forest View Manor, in Meredith, on Friday, February 10, 2012.
Born on May 12, 1934, in Portland, ME, he was the son of the late Karl F. and Barbara (Whitmore) Switzer. David was raised in Portland, graduating from the Deering High School. After graduating high school he went on to further his education at the University of Maine, earning a bachelor?s degree in history.
David then went on to serve his country in the Army, achieving the rank of Captain as an anti-aircraft gunner. After his service to his country, David went to work as a teacher at the Vermont Academy, of Saxon River, VT for three years and then went on to attend the University of Connecticut, earning his master?s degree and Ph.D. in history with a strong maritime aspect. David spent the next forty years of his life working as a professor at Plymouth State University, in Plymouth, NH.
During his tenure at Plymouth State University David also became a Nautical Archaeologist under the direction of George Bass in 1974. He then went on to serve as a Director of Archaeological Defense (investigating various war vessels, how they were built, and life aboard the vessels as seamen) in that roll until 1981. The first expedition he directed was in Penobscot Bay, ME, where he oversaw the excavation of a Revolutionary War Era Ship. He was also a part of archaeological dives in Greece and Scotland. David then became a consultant for Nautical Archaeology in NH, a role in which he directed an excavation at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, he and a group of his students found the remains of a vessel in the Wallace Sand Beach, in Rye, NH, and the recovered pieces are now on display at the NH Seacoast Science Center. David?s last work before retirement was helping Flagler College, of St. Augustine, FL, set up a Nautical Archaeological Program in conjunction with the Light House Museum.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Judith (Gulian) Switzer, of Plymouth; a daughter, Kate Switzer, of Plymouth; a son, Stephen Switzer and wife Lesley, of Holderness; a brother, John Switzer and wife Virginia, of S. Portland, ME; two grandsons, Ian and Max Switzer, also of Holderness; two nephews, and many grand nieces and nephews.Visitation:Donations may be made in David?s memory to the NH Humane Society, or to a charity of one?s choice.Service:A Celebration of Life will be held at the Common Man Inn, 231 Main St., Plymouth, NH on Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.