Newington Obituary: John McSwiney, 88

On Friday, December 23, 2016, John Paul McSwiney, 88, of Newington & Port St. Lucie, FL, was called to eternal life while at home with his family.

Born on October 28, 1928 in Columbus, OH, he was the son of the late Daniel J. & Ethel (Morin) McSwiney. He served our country with pride in the United States Navy during the Korean War and received the National Defense, Korean Service, United Nations and China Service Medals. Prior to retirement he was employed as an engineer at Pratt & Whitney, giving many years of dedicated service. One of John's greatest passions was building and flying his model airplanes and he held membership with the Society of Antique Modelers.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister Rita P. McSwiney. Left to honor and cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Helen (Byrnes) McSwiney, his children, Claire P. McSwiney of Kalamazoo, MI, Andrea M. Madar and her husband Greg of Wallingford, Daniel G. McSwiney of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Suzanne M. Klatt and her husband David of Rocky Hill, a brother Daniel D. McSwiney of Kalamazoo, MI, and 6 grandchildren, Sean, Stephen, Andrew Madar, and Kyle, Nicholas, & Leah Klatt. He was very close to his six brothers and sisters-in-law of the Byrnes family, although he was lovingly never "officially voted" into the family.

His life and funeral will be celebrated on Thursday December 29, at 9:00 AM from Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington, with a 10:00 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial at Church of the Holy Spirit. Rites of Committal will follow the Mass at West Meadow Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome to call for visitation on Wednesday, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Newington Memorial.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.