Stanley Switlik

Stanley Switlik (December 4, 1890 – March 4, 1981) was a parachute pioneer.

Biography Switlik was born in Galicia, which is now part of Poland. In 1907, he immigrated to the United States as a 16 year old “steerage” passenger. He has worked at many jobs, including, but not limited to, home painting, insurance, and real estate.

When World War II broke out, parachute makers were called to a meeting where they were ordered by the government to increase the rate of parachute manufacturing. Additional space was acquired and a large work force trained.

In 1973, Switlik initially agreed to sell of property he owned to the original company that eventually became Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. The controversy was how the property was to be utilized. It was his position that it would be used for a drive through animal park, but the plan of the buyers was also to include an amusement park. As a conservationist, Switlik believed the amusement park should not be built. In a long protracted legal battle which eventually went to the US Supreme Court, Mr. Switlik lost his case. A judgment of $4.8 million had been originally awarded, but the long battle increased the payment substantially due to interest on the original judgment. This resulted in the bankruptcy to him and his family. Great Adventure was built and now includes both amusement rides and a drive through animal park.

Switlik would retire and he died of a heart attack in Marathon, Florida on March 4, 1981.

Legacy The Stanley Switlik Elementary school in Marathon, Florida is named for him, as is the Switlik Elementary School in Jackson, New Jersey. Switlik Residents Hall at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey is also named after Stanley Switlik. He served on the Board of Trustees of Rider for 16 years and received an honorary degree in 1954.