David Swedlow, Pioneer in Manufacture of Acrylics, Dies

David A. Swedlow, founder of Swedlow Inc. acrylics manufacturing in Garden Grove, has died of cancer at his home here. He was 79.

Born in Denver, Colo., Swedlow began his career in 1934 making display items for department stores and movie studios.

After seeing a movie newsreel on acrylics, he began experimenting with them and pioneered techniques for its manufacture.

“He was known throughout the country as Mr. Acrylic because he was the one who really worked out the application for shaped acrylic parts . . . ,” said Jack Gold, Swedlow’s cousin.

Swedlow’s company manufactured cockpit windows, canopies and windshields for planes ranging from the Hudson bomber to the B-2 Stealth, Gold said. Swedlow founded the firm, from which he retired in 1986, Gold said.

“His company had about 750 employees. Everybody called him Dave, and he knew everybody by their first name,” Gold said. “He was very friendly. . . . He cemented a lot of people together.”

He spent his spare time fishing and traveling. He also enjoyed photography and Japanese art.

Swedlow, who died Thursday, is survived by his wife, Sandy, son Dave and two daughters, Jill Coffee )and Robyn Leibner.

Swedlow’s ashes were scattered at sea. A private memorial ceremony was held in Newport Beach. The family has asked that any donations in his memory be made to the Hoag Hospital Foundation Cancer Center.