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Deacon John J. Szwarc, Altoona, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2019, after an extended illness.
He was born in 1942, son of the late John A. and Helen (Liptak) Szwarc. He married Grace Y. Shaffer in 1964.
He was ordained by Adam Cardinal Maida at The Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit, Mich. Since 2010, he has served at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. Prior assignments in Michigan included: Christ the Good Shepard in Lincoln Park, St. Hugh in Southgate and St. Cyril of Jerusalem in Taylor.
Deacon John received a Graduate Diploma in Diaconate Studies and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, both at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Mich. He also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Alliance College and a PhD in Safety and Loss Control from Western State University of Professional Studies.
He co-authored nine patents, including the first apparatus utilizing ultraviolet radiation to harden dental fillings. Notable awards include: Distinguished Service from Northern Ozaukee Ambulance Service, Humanitarian Service from American Red Cross, Outstanding Alumnus from Alliance College and Outstanding Member from Erie Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
Surviving are his wife; three children: John S. Szwarc of West Decatur, Pa., Conrad Szwarc of Altoona and Monica C. (John) Gray of Sicklerville, N.J.; three grandchildren: John P. Szwarc, Elizabeth Gray and Jess Gray; two sisters: Connie Schartner of North Braddock and Mary Jane Zablocki of Baltimore, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher; and an infant brother, Joseph.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2019, at Jones Funeral Home, Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held during the visitation. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2019, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona. Committal rites will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
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