OSWEGO, NY – Joseph F. Swiech, 83, a resident of 32 Dublin St., passed away at his home on Aug. 1, 2009, with his family by his side.
Born in Fulton, he was the son of late Stanley and Kathryn (Misiak) Swiech and was a graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1945.
Joseph was a member of the Oswego Police Department, serving the city for more then 31 years until his retirement in 1985.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater and Japan.
He was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Post #17, where he served as commander for more than 10 years.
He also served as Senior Vice Commander for the New York State P.L.A.V. for one year.
Joseph was active in several civic organizations throughout his life.
He was a member of the Lake City Police Club and was a member of the Police Conference of New York State for 31 years without missing a conference.
He was a member of the Oswego Moose Club and was the former president of the Oswego County Club of Zephyrhills, Fla.
His life memberships included the Oswego Polish American Club where he served as vice president for two years, the Oswego Elks Lodge #271, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion #268 and the St. Casimir Society Club where he served as president for five years.
As a member of St. Stephen’s Church, he was a trustee for two years.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, the former Wilhelmina Reynolds; two sons, Joseph “Ted” (Sandra) Swiech and James (Anna) Swiech of Hendersonville, NC; and a brother, Frederick (Norma) Swiech of Florida.
Joseph and Wilhelmina were blessed with seven grandchildren, Bridgette Baldwin, Cathy Swiech, Julie Smith, Mike and Matt Crispino, Michelle Wideman and also Joseph “Joey” James Swiech who predeceased them.
The family request contributions be made to the scholarship fund established at LeMoyne in Joey’s name.
Also surviving are several great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by three sisters, Stella Beeles, Genevieve Taranto and Stefanie Smith; a brother, John Swiech; and a daughter-in-law Sharon Swiech.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 9 a.m. from St. Stephen’s Church.
Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Dowdle Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.
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My deepest condolences to the Swiech family. Joe will truly be missed by those blessed enough to have met and known him.
I knew Joe well during his police service and attended a few police conventions with him. Certainly enjoyed a trip to Yankee Stadium with Joe, along with John North, Mike Stafford and a few other Oswego County law enforcers. My deepest regrets to the family. Joe was well respected and served as a great ambassador for the City of Oswego and his beloved police department.
To Joe, Jimmy and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time. We had many a good time with Joe at the Elks and other events. Please accept our condolences. Larry and Susan Narolis
michelle, I am sorry to hear about your grandfather, let me know if there is anything I can do. Paul in fla