Obituary of Michael J. Swerediuk

MICHAEL J. SWEREDIUK Michael J. Swerediuk, 87, of Rome, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 21, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 1, 1927, in Rome, New York, son of the late Seaman and Katherine Evaniew Swerediuk. Upon graduation from Rome Free Academy in 1945, Mike entered service in the United States Navy. His ship landed in Japan as part of the Allied Occupational Forces in 1946. Upon Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he returned to Rome and worked at Montgomery Ward where he met the love of his life, Rose Natale. They were united in marriage on October 6, 1951, in St. John the Baptist Church—a loving union of 61 years until her passing in October 2012. Mike began work for the Rome City School District where he worked in the position of Maintenance Mechanic, attending to plumbing and heating needs throughout the Rome City School District. He retired in 1988. Family was very important to Mike. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting for wild game in his younger years. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow hunting buddies. Mike also liked to bowl. He and Rose loved to travel and enjoyed many trips in their retirement years. He was known for his friendly warm smile and pleasant manner towards all. Mike was a member of the South Rome Senior Center and a faithful parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving daughters and son-in-law: Mary Katherine Swerediuk, Rome; Helen and Jay Reinhardt, Liverpool, N.Y.; grandchildren Fran (Tad) Ota, Philadelphia,PA; Jeff(Dana) Reinhardt, Cumberland, MD; great-grandchildren Joseph, Margaret, John, and Luke. Also surviving is a sister, Ann Konowich, Rome, brothers Andrew(Gladys) Swerediuk, Whitesboro, John(Cathy) Swerediuk, FL, and sisters-in-law Janice Swerediuk, Verona, Mary Greco, Rome, Connie Festa, N. Syracuse, Palma (Nicholas) Perfido, MA, brother-in-law Frank Santoro and several special nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joseph Swerediuk, Thomas "Sam" Swerediuk; sisters and brothers-in-law Mary (Tom) Giardino, Sophie (Gerry) Jones, and Helen Chilkatowsky, sister-in-law, Helen Santoro, brothers-in-law Vito Greco, Alfred T. Festa; mother-in-law and father-in-law Helen and Pasquale Natale. The family would like to extend special thanks to Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio and Greg Chandler. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 10:15 am from, the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc. 218 W. Court Street and at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Interment will take place in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 4-7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Michael's memory to Jervis Public Library, 613 N. Washington St., Rome, NY 13440 or St. John the Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, N Y 13440 To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com