Francis P. Swenton

Francis P. Swenton, 81, of West Pittston passed away unexpectedly while vacationing with his daughter, Bernie Remas.

Born in Duryea on March 14, 1934, he was the son of the late Joseph and Bertha Szarkowski Swenton. He was a graduate of Duryea High School and attended Wilkes University.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

He relocated to New York where he had met his wife, the former Marilyn Vogt. Together they raised their children in New York and moved back to the Wyoming Valley in 1978.

He retired from Grumman Aerospace. One of the highlights of his career was his role as Grumman quality control personnel in the Apollo 11 mission, the first manned lunar landing on July 20, 1969.

He was a member of the American Legion, Babylon, N.Y., and a member of Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, in 2013; son, Francis P. Swenton Jr., in 2012; son-in-law, Charlie Remas, in 2013; grandson, Jason Swenton; and brothers, Ronald Swenton and Joseph Swenton.

Surviving are his children, Theresa Zimmerman, Erie; Bernice Remas, West Pittston; Ron Swenton and his wife, Kathee Copiague, Long Island, N.Y.; and Christopher Swenton and his fiancée, Shana, Lutz, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; sister, Carol Matiko and her husband, Mike, Duryea; numerous great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, 535 N. Main St., Pittston. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church on Wednesday morning. Interment will be held in Mount Olivet Mausoleum, Carverton.

Arrangements are entrusted to Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William St., Pittston.

Condolences may be made at www.peterjadoniziofuneralhome.com.