Swidzinski

John Bernard Swidzinski, affectionately known by family and friends as “Moe,” 96, of Butler, passed away peacefully under the compassionate care of the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick VA Community Living Center Hospice on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Born Feb. 14, 1930, in Butler, John was a son of the late Nicholas and Pauline Schmidt Swidzinski.

He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning home, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Patricia L. Gallagher Swidzinski, on May 9, 1953. Together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage until Patricia’s passing in May, 2021.

John dedicated his career to the steamfitting trade, proudly serving as a Union Steamfitter with Locals 356, 47 and 449. His work ethic was second to none and he retired with more than 70 years of union service, a remarkable accomplishment that reflected his commitment to his craft.

Outside of work, John’s greatest passions were his family, the outdoors and Jeeps. A true Jeep enthusiast, he owned Jeeps continuously from purchasing his first one in 1948 until the age of 94. He was an avid softball player at Franklin Field. He raised beagles, and Beasty was his favorite.

He was also one of the founding owners of Camp Red Rock in Highland Corners, Pa., alongside his five brothers. Camp Red Rock became a treasured gathering place where countless weekends, hunting seasons and work weekends were spent making lifelong memories with brothers, nephews, family and friends. It was a place filled with laughter, stories, hard work and more than a few beers around the campfire. Those who knew camp well know there will never be another booming “OOOObaaaassss!” echoing through the woods. Moe — or “Uncle Moe” as many knew him — had a gift for getting under everyone’s skin with a grin and his quick wit and playful teasing will be remembered and missed by all who loved him.

John was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates, and he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite teams.

He is survived by his two sons, John A. “Jack” Swidzinski and his wife, Karen, of Butler, and Charles “Chuck” Swidzinski, of Butler; his beloved grandchildren, Nicholas Swidzinski and his wife, Dahlia, of Portland, Ore., and Layne Wood and her husband, Nathan, of Allison Park, Pa.; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Violet and Briggs Wood.

He is also survived by his brother, Carl Swidzinski and his wife, Nancy, of Butler; two sisters, Lucille Spohn, of Maryland, and Helen Dollman, of Slippery Rock; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his beloved wife, Patty, John was preceded in death by eight brothers and one sister.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Kathy Thomas, of Butler, whose loving care and companionship meant so much to John and his family throughout his final years.

The family also wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the incredible doctors, nurses, aides and staff at the Community Living Center at the Butler VA. Over the last several years, they became much more than caregivers — they became family. Their kindness, compassion, dignity and unwavering support brought comfort, not only to John, but to all who loved him. We are truly blessed to call these angels our friends.

John “Moe” Swidzinski leaves behind a legacy of hard work, patriotism, laughter and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered every time a Jeep rolls down the road, a Steelers game is on television, hunting season begins or friends gather around a campfire to share stories. His voice may be silent, but the memories he created will echo for generations.

SWIDZINSKI — Friends of John “Moe” Bernard Swidzinski, who died Tuesday, July 14, 2026, will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at MARTIN FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

A blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kevin C. Fazio, of All Saints Parish, officiating.

Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home by American Legion Post 778, VFW Post 249 and VFW Post 499.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Butler Veterans Community Living Center Fund, Attn: Mary Ann Cuppazzi, 325 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001, or to the Butler County Toys for Tots program at secure.toysfortots.org.

For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.