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(News story) Joseph J. Swiergosz, Jr., a former executive for a Toledo warehouse and moving business who was active in the South Toledo Kiwanis, died Sunday in Elizabeth Scott Community, Springfield Township. He was 77.
Mr. Swiergosz died of complications from primary lateral sclerosis, which he was diagnosed with about 20 years ago, said Martin Swiergosz, the oldest of his four sons.
He was employed for about 25 years for the Willis Day Moving & Storage Co., which was an agent for the Aero Mayflower Transit Co. Most of his career was spent in sales.
He joined Willis Day in 1961, beginning as a sales manager for the firm, which was an agent for Mayflower Transit Co. In 1965, he was honored for being the moving company's top salesman at a conference in New Orleans.
"I remember him and my mom going. That was the first time my mom was ever in a plane," the younger Mr. Swiergosz said.
He was promoted to vice president of sales in 1977. About that same time, he was among employees selected for an input conference because of the work he had done in formulating sales programs for the upcoming year for Mayflower.
Mr. Swiergosz was born June 19, 1939, to Rose and Joseph Swiergosz. He grew up on Buckingham Street and attended St. Hyacinth School. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1957, he attended a seminary for a brief period, his son said.
He married the former Joan Brancheau in August of 1960. They were divorced about 15 years later.
Mr. Swiergosz said his father enrolled in night classes at the University of Toledo and balanced raising a family and working full-time for Willis Day. He completed classes needed for a bachelor's degree in business degree in 1968 after nearly 10 years of night school, his son said.
Mr. Swiergosz left Willis Day in 1987 to take a regional sales director position with Corrigan United Moving near Massillon, Ohio.
His son said he elected several years later to get out of the moving and storage business to explore other business interests, which included operating a limousine service.
A longtime resident of South Toledo, he belonged to the Toledo Transportation Club and the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee.
Mr. Swiergosz also was a former president of the South Toledo Kiwanis Club. He participated in the organization's annual peanut sale and other fund-raisers.
John Carroll, a retired stock broker and former Kiwanis member, recalled that Mr. Swiergosz was zealous in performing the president duties during his term for the club, which at that time had more than 100 members.
Surviving are his sons, Martin, Michael, Matthew, and Paul; sisters, Marcia Guinan, Roseann Swiergosz, and Marilyn Osborne; 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday in Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Hwy, Holland, followed by services at 3 p.m.
Tributes are suggested to the Kiwanis Club of Toledo.
This is a news story by Blade staff writer Mark Reiter. Contact him at: [email protected] or 419-724-6199.
4 Entries
Joe had such a great sense of humor. I took care of him for a while when he lived in Perrysburg. He always made me laugh and would brighten my day! My condolences on his passing.
Caeol Buser
February 21, 2017
Joe was such a wonderful person. He hired a young woman with no moving knowledge and taught me everything about the business. He and I worked side by side to build a good business at a fledgling office of Corrigan Moving in Perrysburg. I just can't say enough great things about him. We continued to have our long talks for many years after he left the company and even after his horrible disease was taking over his body. I will be eternally greatful to him for being a mentor and a friend. I am glad he is at peace finally. We will all miss you. Prayers to the family and may you have comfort he resides in a better place now.
Sue Thornton
January 14, 2017
I sorry to hear the passing of Joe. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet and take care of him. Joe is someone I will never forget and definitely had some memorable times! May he Rest In Peace and no more suffering. God bless.
Amber Schreiber, RN
January 12, 2017
Dear Marty, Matt, Mike, and Paul, we are so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of our good times on Westwood Ave. You in our thoughts.
Barbara and John Patroulis
January 12, 2017
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