Joseph J. Swinski Jr., age 88, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, September 19, 2021, in the comfort of his home, with his loving family by his side. He was predeceased by his first wife, Josephine Soboleski Swinski and second wife, Alice Toni Giannone Swinski.
Mr. Swinski was born in Larksville, PA on August 11, 1933, son of the late Joseph J. Swinski Sr. and Helen Washinski Swinski. A resident of the Derby community for sixty-three years, he was employed as the tool room supervisor at Pratt & Whitney in North Haven until his retirement. A proud veteran, he honorably served in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Joe was a devoted communicant of St. Jude Church in Derby where he served as a Eucharistic minister and member in charge for eighteen years at weekly Bingo. He was a member of Bishop John J. Nilan Assembly 115 in Shelton, the American Legion Post 24 in Derby, the Catholic War Veterans in Derby and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #28 also in Derby. Joe was an avid fan of football and UCONN Women basketball. He enjoyed rug weaving on his loom at home, making chocolate candy and cake decorating. If anyone needed something fixed, Joe was the best all-around handy man.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a daughter, Sharon Ardito (Tony) of Gold Canyon, AZ, a son, Joseph J. Swinski III (Grace) of Cranston, RI, grandchildren, Walter and Nicholas Ardito of Gold Canyon, AZ, Christopher Ardito of Glen Falls, NY, Lilian Ardito of Wallingford, CT and Olive and Ivy Swinski of Cranston, RI as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Linda Swinski.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Face masks will be required inside the funeral home. On Saturday, September 25, 2021, his funeral will take place at 10:30 am (please meet directly) at St. Jude Church, 71 Pleasant View Road in Derby, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with U.S. Air Force military honors will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter’s Cemetery in Derby.
Contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #28 and mailed directly to Our Lady Queen of the Apostle’s Parish, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418. To sign Joe’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit http://www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
