Joseph J. Swikla

Chief Master Sgt. Joseph J. Swikla, USAF Ret., 100, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Sterling, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Care One in Millbury.  His wife, Yvette Helene (Gresseau) Swikla, predeceased him in 1990.

Master Sergeant Swikla spent his career with the United States Air Force where he was a mechanic and flight engineer, before retiring in 1969.  He served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict.  Following his service, he was a member of the Lithuanian War Vets and Polish War Vets both in Worcester.  He enjoyed reading, swimming and exercise.  His travels brought him around the world.  He spent a good part of his life living in Spain, and domestically in Dover, Charlotte, and California, before settling here in Massachusetts with his sister Ann.

His wife was his constant friend and companion, they enjoyed many years together enjoying life, travel, and each other, before her passing.  He was born in Fostoria, Ohio, son of the late, Empolik and Anna (Rawlynowic) Swikla, and moved to Worcester as a young boy.  He graduated from Classical High School in Worcester, before marrying his wife and setting out on his Military Career.  It was while living in Delaware that his beloved wife predeceased him.

Joseph and Yvette had no children of their own, but were blessed with loving nieces and nephews, including, Robert Butkevich of Dallas, Paul Butkevich and his wife Janet of Shrewsbury, Nancy Grillo of Naples, FL, and Jane Butkevich of Sterling; a grand nephew, Todd Butkevich; two grand nieces, Shelley Koneczny and Nikki Butkevich; great grand niece, Madison Koneczny, and a great grand nephew, Carter Koneczny.  He was predeceased by a brother and a sister, Alphonse Swikla and Anne Butkevich.

A Funeral Mass for Joseph will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton Street, Worcester.  Visitation with his nephews and nieces will be on Saturday morning, in the church, from 10 a.m. until the Mass begins.  Military Funeral Honors will be presented at the conclusion of Mass.  He will be laid to rest beside his wife, this Spring, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, is honored to assist his family with services.