Michael William Swanek

PITTSTON — Michael William Swanek, 68, passed away peacefully March 29, 2018, at Geisinger Medical Center after a courageous fight with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Sept. 10, 1948, in Pittston, a son of Dorothy (Colwell) Swanek and Frank Swanek. Michael graduated from Northeast High School, Class of 1966 in Duryea, attended King's College in Wilkes-Barre and served in the U.S. Army while stationed in Korea. He was proud to be a veteran. He was an accomplished mason, with his work on display throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Michael enjoyed watching "Jeopardy" and usually answered most of the questions. He had a strong desire to learn. He was a champion Scrabble player and took his game seriously. He also loved listening to music. He loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with family. He always had a soft spot for all animals and couldn't pass a dog on the street without taking the opportunity to pet it. He was a lifelong Methodist who found comfort and value in Bible study. He will be sadly missed.

Michael is survived by his siblings, Franklin Swanek and his wife, Barbara, and Dale Swanek and his wife, Marge, of Exeter, Daniel E. Swanek, of Dallas, and Bonnie Shepherd and her husband, Michael, of New Milford, Conn.; many nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.

Services will be at the United Methodist Church of Pittston at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7. Friends may call 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Chapel Lawn in Dallas. Military honors will be conducted by the AMVETS Post 189, Dupont.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the United Methodist Church of Pittston, Broad Street and Church Street, Pittston, PA 18640, or Blue Chip Animal Refugee, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.

Arrangements are by the Metcalfe-Shaver-Kopcza Funeral Home Inc., 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming.