Paul Jerome Swiderski

On December 20, 2025, our beloved Paul Jerome Swiderski went home to be with the Lord after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Paul was born and raised in Erie, PA and passed away at age 60 at home in Patterson, CA with his wife, Valerie, by his side.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service for 24 years. He began his career by graduating top of his class in Basic Electricity and Electronics School, Electronics Technicians Field A School, and Navy Nuclear Power Prototype, and #17 of 440 from Navy Nuclear Power School, earning him a position as Instructor at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Ballston Spa, NY. He then served on the USS RICHARD B. RUSSELL (SSN 687) Fast Attack Submarine from 1988-1994 and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for "extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy." Chief Swiderski was then selected as Reactor Control Division Chief and Joint Test Group Board member for the Design Team of the USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) First-in-Class Fast Attack Submarine, followed by assignment as Instructor and Curriculum Developer for the Electronics Technicians Maintenance School in Groton, CT. In 2000, Paul relocated to Hawaii with his son, Paul, and served on the USS LOS ANGELES (SSN 688) Fast Attack Submarine. It was in Hawaii where he met his wife, Valerie. Chief Swiderski rounded out his Naval career as Engineering Department Director at Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Pearl Harbor, HI. Chief Swiderski was awarded many medals, ribbons, and commendations over the years, including the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and several others.

Upon retirement, Paul worked as a Field Engineer for Canberra Industries, VaCom Technologies, and at the Gallo Wineries facility in Livingston. We would like to thank you all for your kindness and support during Paul's illness.

As proud as Paul was of his military service, nothing compares to the love and longing he has for his children, grandchildren, and the wife of his heart. He cherished every moment with his son, Paul, after missing so much of his life during deployments. The time he had to share with his daughter, Morgan, brought joy to his life. The gift of not one, but two grandchildren renewed his spirit. During Paul's military service, he was exposed to ionizing radiation that eventually caused a metastatic cancer that he battled for seven years against all odds. He did it for us, for his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his family, his friends, his country, and his God – for His glory. Paul was loved by everyone who knew him, and his passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives. He was generous, gentle and kind with children, and brought a touch of whimsy everywhere he went. He was a great conversationalist, loved to travel, and had a story for everything.

Paul was a man of character and principle and exemplified the Navy values of "Honor, Courage, Commitment." He loved like Jesus loves: sacrificially. His greatest desire is that each one of us soften our hearts and come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, the only way to the Father in Heaven. Paul's faith is made sight. His hope is fulfilled. He is truly "home," and he wants to see you there.

Paul is predeceased by his mother, Joan (Wozneak) Swiderski; father Jerome Swiderski; and sister Romaine (Rea). He is survived by his wife of over 23 years, Valerie Mariano Swiderski (CA); son Paul, daughter-in-law Sarah (Keep), grandchildren Sloane and Oliver Swiderski (NY); daughter Morgan Stanton Odgers (NY); sisters Paula (Cassady) (PA) and Theresa (Olson) (PA); brothers Joel (PA), Steve (OH), and Shane (IL); and myriad aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

ETC Paul J. Swiderski will be laid to rest with honors at Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Plot U972, in Honolulu, HI on Mon., Jan. 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. HST. There will be a Memorial Service on Sat., Feb. 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, 2766 N. Dakota Ave., Modesto, CA 95358.

Log in to https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ to view and participate in the Veterans Living Memorial for Paul J. Swiderski. In lieu of flowers: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/ or https://www.jessicashouse.org/ or the Deacon Fund at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, address above.
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