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Joseph Swarter Obituary
AGE: 60 • Wilmington
Joseph R. Swarter, age 60, of Wilmington passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.
Born in Wilmington, Joe was the son of Isabelle and the late Joseph P. Swarter. He was a graduate of Henry C. Conrad High School Class of 1974, and Wilmington University. As a teenager he began working side by side with his father and brothers at Custom Iron Shop, Inc. Joe and his brothers eventually took over to carry on the family business known for projects, including the Little Italy arch and the Wilmington Riverfront railings. As a friend said, "When I think of Joe Swarter, I immediately think of an honest, sincere, professional and detailed person with a wealth of stories."
As an active member of ABC of Delaware, he was a former chairman and honored with the Adams Cup Award. He was a respected leader and mentor of the builders and contractors community. Family first, but his passion for ABC and its philosophy was ingrained within him.
In earlier years, he enjoyed playing football, baseball and softball. He continued this love of sports coaching and cheering on his sons as they played football and baseball. Joe also loved music and was so proud of his daughter's singing talent, using every opportunity to encourage her to belt out her special songs, including her infamous rendition of "My Heart Will Go On."
Family was the center of Joe's world. His favorite times were spent relaxing at the drive-on beach at 3 R's and spending time at their Ocean View beach house. Many memories will be cherished from their recent trip to Disney World with the entire family. His three grandchildren will miss their Grandpa Joe and his teasing, silly antics! Joe was known for his practical jokes and great sense of humor. He had an amazing smile, a big heart, and generous spirit, and he was always there to support anyone in need.
Joe is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 37 years, Dorene F. (Doran) Swarter; his sons, Matthew J. (Jennifer) and Andrew C. Swarter; his daughter, Kaitlin F. Swarter; his mother, Isabelle Swarter; his brothers, Fred (Sandy) and Charles (Rhonda) Swarter; his sisters, Diane Saienni (Joe) and Cathy Loos (George); his three grandchildren, Tyler, Madelynn, and Jaxson Swarter; his mother-in-law, Faith Doran; his brother-in-law, Terry Doran; his sister-in-law, Karen Nowell (Randy); many nieces and nephews, and his beloved King Charles Spaniel, Vivy. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph P. Swarter, and his father-in-law, Patrick Doran.
Family and friends may visit on Saturday, July 29 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Beloved Church or The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 209, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Doherty Funeral Home
302-999-8277
To offer condolences, visit: www.dohertyfh.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Swarter
Sponsored by Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek.
Bill Price
July 23, 2024
God bless Joe and all of our classmates who have passed on. God, please bless Joe´s family.
Bill Price
July 21, 2023
I pray for Joe that he will be with Jesus in Heaven. I pray for his family that Jesus will comfort you. Bill Price
Bill Price
August 5, 2022
Remembering Joe as a good and humor filled guy. Life can be hard. I hope and pray that you, Joe's family, will be comforted. I pray we will all see each other in Heaven some fine day.
February 9, 2018
Dear Dorene, I was at the Back Burner Restaurant tonight and heard from a mutual acquaintance that Joe had passed. I was shocked and just recently have been sending emails to Joe,s address. I am so sorry for your loss I had met you a couple of times at Panera with Joe in the a.m. I used to love talking politics with him. God bless you and Joe. I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
Warm regards,
Bill Kelly, Hockessin,[email protected]
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Gary Mears
October 14, 2017
Dear Dorene,
I was searching through the News Journal's recent obituaries for an old acquaintance of mine and came across the obit for your husband Joe. Please allow me to extend my belated but deepest condolences to you and your family regarding Joe's passing.
Take care.
Swain Family
August 16, 2017
Izzy and the Swarter Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Joe will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I know your faith will help you during this time of need.
Bill & Paula Swain
Phyllis Fioretti
August 8, 2017
Isabelle, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
August 4, 2017
Dear Izzy and the Swarter Family,
Just heard of Joe's passing today (8/4/17) and was overwhelmed with compassion for all of you as he was so young and so loved. May you all find strength in the knowledge that he is in God's hands forever.
Peg Tucker
Marianne Carter
August 4, 2017
Hi,
I am sorry to hear of the family's loss. Joe was a great person, and I remember his wonderful personality. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Ted Dwyer
August 2, 2017
Joe was a really good man. I worked with him when I was at EDiS. He was always a pleasure to work with. He will be missed.
Dave DiCostanza
August 1, 2017
To the Swarter Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Joe passing away. He was such a class act guy when ever you ran into him. He surely will be miss.
Rick D'Onofrio
July 31, 2017
Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Always enjoyed conversations with him Rest in Peace, D'Onofrio family
Margaret & Leon Slocomb
July 31, 2017
Dear Isabelle and Family,
Our love, prayers and peace to you and the family at this great loss to all.
Hugs,
The Slocomb Family
Etta Oconnor
July 31, 2017
Dorren, so sorry do your loss. Etta O'Connor
Pat Lehane
July 30, 2017
Rest in peace, cousin Joe.
You were one of the best!!
My thoughts and prayers to
all the family.
Deborrah Setting
July 30, 2017
A terrible loss, our hearts and prayers go to Dorene and the family.
Jay Dempsey
July 30, 2017
Tina and I and our boys, have many fond memories of Joe and family on and off the baseball field. We can all remember the many jokes and pranks Joe would be the center of. He will deeply be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Love you guys.Tina and Jay Dempsey
July 30, 2017
Dorene
I'm so sorry to hear about Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Let me know if you need anything.
Love Terri Fitzgerald
Bill Price
July 29, 2017
Joe, you were a cool guy and could always make us laugh. I remember you wearing your leather jacket. You made my days at Corpus Christi School a lot more fun. May God give you peace and eternal rest. Bill Price
Joy Fox
July 29, 2017
Dorene
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your children . Joe was a wonderful father and a good friend .
Mike and joy fox
July 29, 2017
Dear Swarter Family,
We fondly remember Joe when he came to Gerardo's regularly. Always friendly and a pleasure to talk to. Our deepest sympathy to the family and his brothers. The Casale Family
Jeff Armstrong
July 29, 2017
Sorry for your loss. I remember Joe from football and baseball at Conrad.
Mary & Bill HrycewyczNewar
July 29, 2017
Doreen and family,
So sorry about your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Julie Mendola
July 29, 2017
To the Swarter family. Shocked to hear of Joe's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Julie and Mark Mendola.
Bob Gilmore
July 29, 2017
Dear Doreen and the whole family. Krista and I send our deepest sympathies. Hearing of your loss hurts us as we remember all of the caring and thoughtfulness that came from Joe in all personal and business interactions. A true gentleman, professional and family man was the best mentor I could ever look up to.
Thinking of you all.
July 29, 2017
Dorene and family,
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Joan (Gainey) Morgan
Middletown, DE
JoAnne Celano DeNisio
July 29, 2017
Dear Dorene and Family, we are so deeply sorry for the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Such a wonderful guy and a pleasure to see. Our prayers are with you.
Duane and Patty Larson
July 28, 2017
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss.
Mary McGowan
July 28, 2017
Dear Doreen and family, i know of both you and Joe thru Sjb church, so vety skrry for your loss.May the chior of angels come to greet Joe.
Colleen
July 28, 2017
Sending our condolences from the dempsey/elder family.
Joy (Brown) Pinto
July 28, 2017
Dorene,
Charlie and I are so very sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your entire
family.
July 28, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Swarter family, particularly Dorene. I'm so sorry to hear of Joe's passing and he leaves a legacy of love and laughter behind. My God be with all of Joe's family and friends during this difficult time.
David Griffith
July 28, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Swarter family. Growing up as Joe's neighbor, I kind of thought of Joe as a big brother. Even as a kid, he always seemed mature, level-headed, kind, and respectful an all around first-class, top-notch guy who made a role model worthy of emulating. Such a terrible loss. I can't imagine the pain and void that his family is feeling. Hopefully fond memories and the care and compassion of others will help make this difficult time a little more bearable.
Lois Harkins (Spoor)
July 27, 2017
Oh Dorene, please accept my deepest condolences. You and your family are in my heart and in my prayers. I am so very sad to hear of Joe's passing. May God bless you and comfort you.
Teresa Consiglio Hoeveler
July 27, 2017
Doreen, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Gary Parker
July 27, 2017
Doreen,
Sorry for your loss. I played football with Joe at Conrad and although we were never close friends, I thought he was a good guy.
sincerely,
Gary Parker
Dave Mills
July 27, 2017
May God's Peace be with you all at this time Sincere Condolences
Lori Trincia (Roberts)
July 27, 2017
Dear Doreen and Family,I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a special person and will be missed very much. Please know that you and all of your family will be in our prayers. God Bless!!Love,Lori and Jack Trincia.
lynn swarter
July 27, 2017
dorene and aunt iz and kids so sorry for your loss
Judy Walsh
July 27, 2017
Dorene and family. I am so sorry and devastated to hear about Joe. Getting to know both of you all of these years was truly a blessing. I thought so much of Joe and you and my heart is breaking for your entire family. Much love and sympathies to all of you.
Love
Judy Walsh
Linda Silva
July 27, 2017
Isabelle my heart is breaking for you & your family. We just found out today at Cosmos. We are all praying for you. If you need anything let me know.Love, Linda Silva.
Rose Marro Brainard
July 27, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm so, so very sorry for your loss.
Sam Mattia
July 27, 2017
Joe was a life long friend and business associate. Spent many years working with Joe. Always honest and reliable & would be there for you no matter what. I send the Swarter family my respects and morn the loss of a wonderful man.
Sam Mattia
Nancy Zickgraf
July 27, 2017
Dorene, Matt, Andrew, Kaitlyn, and the rest of your extended family, my heart is breaking for the loss of Joe. He was bigger than life for most of us and will sadly be missed. You have lots of wonderful memories so keep them close to your heart. Peace and love to all you guys.
Patricia Moyn
July 27, 2017
My heart breaks for the entire Swarter family. Joe was an upstanding husband, father, grandfather, friend to many. May his soul Rest In Peace. May God give you all strength to endure. With much respect,Patricia Moyn (Draper-Picarro)
KIM WEBB
July 27, 2017
Aunt Isabelle and family,
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you,
Ernie, Kim and Rita and family
Donna Parker Kevin Poore
July 27, 2017
Dorene, Kevin and I are so sorry for your loss. Joe was a great man we always enjoyed being around him and your family. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Catherine Capodanno
July 27, 2017
Dorene, Isabelle and family,
We are so very sorry. Joe was a great guy, thoughtful and caring.
Love and prayers from my family and I.
rick quill
July 27, 2017
a damn good man...both personally and professionally a stand up guy who I thought the world of since the first day I met him over 40 years ago...to his loving wife and children,my sincere sorrow...joe...your memory will always live in my mind and heart
Sarah and Andy Lubin
July 27, 2017
A great and kind man. He left too early and will be dearly missed.
Tons of prayers to his family.
Jim and Jody Harrington
July 27, 2017
Bird, Rhonda and Swarter family we are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that others are thinking of you all and holding you close in prayer. With our deepest sympathies.
Frani Chew
July 27, 2017
Doreen, Aunt Iz and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I love you all
Keith Martin
July 27, 2017
It was a pleasure working with you and learning to know you over the years. You will be missed dearly.
July 27, 2017
Diane and Family,
I am so very sorry for your great loss. I will keep you in my prayers.
Karen Mosebach Savage
Rose and Steve Samluk
July 27, 2017
Joe was such a kind and loving person. He will be deeply missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Doreen and your family. Sending virtual hugs.
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