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Joseph E. Swierczynski
1938 - 2016
Joseph E. Swierczynski
1938 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1938
DIED
2016
Joseph Swierczynski Obituary
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A Lost Sheep
May 8, 2023
Fr. Joe we miss you so much. We feel so lost without you. Nothing is right anymore. We haven't a shepherd anymore that really cares. We have no one to turn to. The music is, well you know. Pray for us Fr Joe!
John Hilinski
April 7, 2017
I completely owe it to Father Joe for helping know St. Anthony more and more. It was a complete surprise that after Tuesday morning mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary that Fr. Joe brought out the relic of St. Anthony for all those attending to come up to the altar and touch the the holy relic. From then on, I regularly began a prayer dialogue with St. Anthony and make regular novenas in honor of St. Anthony.
RICHARD PIATEK
May 29, 2016
I remember Gorzkie Zale services that Father Joe would lead. Eternal rest
Rev Kenneth E. Oldenski
May 23, 2016
Father Joe was a wonderful priest who served Jesus Christ to the best of his ability. His love for the Blessed Mother and St. Theresa of the little flower was inspiring. He served my home parish on Polish Hill tirelessly. He was two years ahead of me at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe PA. We had so many laughs together. His church decorations brought people from near and far to see this genius at work. May he rest in peace and may his good work continue after him. Father Ken Oldenski
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May 17, 2016
Although my husband and I are not members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, we attended the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Father Joe said the Mass with such reverence and devotion to Our Lord. We also enjoyed listening to the Polish Christmas Carols. It reminded me of my Polish mother and her parents. Father Joe would always greet us warmly and thank us for coming.
Easter was special also. I still observe the beautiful tradition of getting the delicious foods blessed for Easter breakfast.
I am certain that Father Joe has a special place in heaven. My deepest sympathy to Father's family and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Family.
Kay Byrne, Ross Township
Beautiful decor creates beautiful memories. Photos by John Swencki, Sr.
Paula Calabrese
May 15, 2016
The beauty of the Christmas season!
Paula Calabrese
May 15, 2016
Celebrating the Christmas season!
Paula Calabrese
May 15, 2016
The Creche ala Fr. Joe.
Paula Calabrese
May 15, 2016
Making Christmas even more beautiful!
Paula Calabrese
May 15, 2016
Brian and Cindy Keady
May 15, 2016
Father Joe was a wonderful priest. He married us at St. Josaphat Parish and baptized our first daughter in 1990. He was a truly great person.
Rest in peace, Father Joe!
John Nagy
May 15, 2016
Although I am not a member of Immaculate Heart Parish (my home parish is Our Lady of Loreto in brookline) my family would celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy Sunday at Immaculate Heart of Mary every year. We would also go to christmas and easter mass there.
We got to know and love father Joe very much. His tireless devotion to his ministry as a priest and his love of our lord and mother mary was impressive and inspiring.
We will miss him deeply and treasure our friendship and love for him. Rest in peace father Joe, we pray that you now rest in the arms of Christ and share in the joy of our savior's resurrection.
Melinda McLaughlin
May 15, 2016
Father Joe was a wonderful priest and man I wish he had videoed all the many magnificent services he officiated, being at one of Father Joe's services was like walking with Christ he made the service come to life. It's the end of an era. Father Joe is now in heaven with our Lord reaping his just reward. My sincere sympathy to Father Joe's family, friends, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Sincerely,
Ben & Nancy Drozinski
May 15, 2016
Our sympathy to the family of Fr. Joe. And our deepest sympathy to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Family, Cecilia and her family, James Dietrich and the Polish Hill residents, of which we once were, we will never forget Fr. Joe's caring words at the passing of our parents. We can only imagine the beauty he will bring to Heaven. With his amazing ability to decorate our hearts with beauty here on Earth. I am sure St. Therese was waiting for him with a beautiful rose, grateful for Fr. Joe's constant love for her, teaching all of us about her true love for Jesus and for us. While celebrating St. Therese's Novena every year with a shower of roses upon all his flock. All that is left to say, is Thank You Fr. Joe for the ability to actually touch our hearts deeply with your strong sense of tradition and the true loyalty to the vows you chose to take for a life in love, with our Lord. You will never be forgotten.
Msrgie Freza
May 14, 2016
Fr. Joe, was a wonderful Polish priest. He helped our parish grow in love with Polish devotions and our heritage. My condolences to his family, friends and parishioners. May his soul rest in the Peace of Christ He will be missed and remembered.
In Christ +
Margie (Sulinski) Frezza
Fr Joe married my daughter Nadia
Catherine Abbondanza
May 14, 2016
Catherine Abbondanza
May 14, 2016
Paula Calabrese
May 14, 2016
Dear Loretta and family,
Father Joe will always be remembered as a dedicated and devout priest who reflected deep faith, consistent hope and generous charity. My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear brother and our dear brother in Christ. May he rest in the peace of the Lord. With love and prayers...
Paula
Jean Kowalecki
May 14, 2016
Deepest heartfelt sympathies....rest in peace Fr. Joe...
James Dell
May 14, 2016
Father joe was the reason I became a alter boy at st josephats in the south side slodes he will be missed by his whole perish and will be remembered for all the good things he did for the community
May 14, 2016
Zloretta I am so sorry for your loss Paula sent me a message. I remember your bother on our graduation that was soon to be 57 years ago. Remember he is not suffering anymore and he is with the Lord. May God bless you in your time of need. Floralee (Hanson) Barton
Mercedes Kostelnik
May 14, 2016
May eternal light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Paula Calabrese
May 14, 2016
Rest in the peace of the Lord, Fr. Joe. You will be missed, but forever remembered!
All of us at Our Lady of the Angels Parish
Paula Calabrese
May 14, 2016
Dear Loretta & Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear brother, Fr. Joe. He was a devout and devoted priest and I know that many of his former parishioners mourn his loss. My prayers and thoughts for your comfort are yours. With love and sympathy,
Paula
Miroslaus A. Wojcicki
May 14, 2016
With deepest sympathy to the Family of Fr. Joe & to the parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary on the loss of your beloved Brother & pastor the Rev. Joseph E. Swierczynski.
Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac Panie...
from the parishioners of Queen of the Rosary Parish, Glassport, PA.
Miroslaus A. Wojcicki
May 14, 2016
With deepest sympathy to the Family of Fr. Joe & to the parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary on the loss of your beloved Brother and priest(pastor) the Rev. Joseph E. Swierczynski.
Wieczny odpoczynek dac mu racz Panie, a swiatlo wiekuiste niech mu swieci na wieki. Amen
from the parishioners of Queen of the Rosary Parish, Glassport, PA
Christine Drabicki
May 14, 2016
Loretta,
Our deepest sympathy to you, your family and close friends on the death of Fr. Joe. May you find peace knowing he is with our Heavenly Father.
JUDITH & JOHN BEACON - STYPULA
May 14, 2016
MAY 14, 2016 - SATURDAY - ST JOHN CANTIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH-SHARPSBURG, PA - JUDITH C.STYPULA-LORETTA WAS MY CLASSMATE-WE ARE 74YRS
OLD. STANLYN KOVALCHICK, TOM GALDA, WE VISITED FR. JOE IN 1993 WHEN MY MOTHER PASSED
AWAY. CLARA E.STYPULA. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR FR. JOE EVERY DAY @ BREAKFAST TIME. I AM SURE HE NOWS OUR PRAYERSS DAILY W/HUDIE&BOB BEACON IN MONUMENT, CO - PH&FAX 719-488-3971. PLEASE GIVE OUR BEST TO LORETTA. MY HUSBAND IS VERY ILL, BUT JESUS ANSWERS PRAYERS DAILY WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL! FR. JOE WAS HAPPY TO SEE ALL OF US WE SHARED FOOD @ HIS HOME IN POLISH HIILL 9-1993. FRIENDS ALWAYS STAY TOGETHER W/JESUS AS OUR LORD & SAVIOR. GOD BLESS ALL THOSE IN NEED AND A SPECIAL BLESSING FOR LORETTA SWIERCZYNSKI. THANK YOU...POLISH JUDIE STYPULA BEACON 19065 GREENBRIER LN, MONUMENT,CO 80132-8850
May 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to Father Joes family. He will truly be missed.
The Deer Family
Rose Haverlack
May 14, 2016
I offer my condolences to all of Father Joe's family, friends and folks on Polish Hill, my former home. He kept the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church alive after the passing of Father John. Father Joe can now rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Rose Haverlack, The Villages, FL
Michele Reola Slane
May 14, 2016
Fr. Joe was a great man and an amazing priest. I was fortunate enough to meet him in 1966 when he was a young priest at St. Alphonsus in Springdale. I was a very impressionable 8 year old. I had never met anyone like him before. He was my hero. He became good friends with my parents and then with my family. He has married us all thru the years and gave us the sacraments. He had a talent to decorate and pay attention to detail, like no one else. No one does a midnight mass like Fr. Joe. He always made you feel the moment. God bless you Father Joe you will be missed. You truly did God's work here on earth. You are a great man.
Michele Reola Slane
May 14, 2016
Fr. Joe was a great man and an amazing priest. He will truly be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family. I was fortunate to meet Fr. Joe in 1966 when he was a young priest at St. Alphonsus in Springdale. I was 8 years old and very impressionable. He was my hero. He developed a deep friendship with my parents and family since then. He has married many of us and given the sacraments to my family. I even remember meeting his parents. No one can do a midnight mass or a wedding like Father Joe. His taste and attention to detail is above all. He always made you feel the moment! God bless you Father Joe, you did God's work while you were here. I will always be grateful for all that you have done for me and my family. You are a great man. You are missed.
Arlene Schmitt
May 13, 2016
We will miss our "one of our family" friend. Fr.Joe baptized my children, as well as performed marriages for them.
My boys Curtis and scott were altar boys, and lovingly told of many funny stories.
Also; they were like Fr.Joes kids, who helped decorate ST Josaphats for Easter and Christmas with "Ray M". "our friend" and the "most Reverand priest", will be missed. God has gained another ANGEL.
Arlene Schmitt and the whole Schmitt family
(formaly of Sterling and Holts streets)
Saint Patrick - Saint Stanislaus Kostka
May 13, 2016
With deepest sympathy to our sisters and brothers at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish on the loss of your beloved pastor the Rev. Joseph E. Swierczynski. Spoczywaj w pokoju.
May the Holy Spirit bring comfort and peace.
from the parishioners of Saint Patrick Saint Stanislaus Kostka.
Bob & Rosemary Thumpston
May 13, 2016
Ceil, Pat & Family
Deepest sympathy on the passing of
Fr. Joe. Our Family has some great memories of the times we shared with Father and all of you. He will be in our prayers along with your family. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew and loved him.
Brian Kline
May 13, 2016
He was always there for our family. He baptized our son. Visited our daughter in the hospital. Consoled us when we lost our other daughter. Received my wife into the church. Married us. Baptized me. Taught me such a fierce love for our lady at St Josephats. Well done good and faithful servant. Now enter into the Kingdom of your Father! The Klines love and miss you!
Nancy & Ed Stabryla
May 13, 2016
Sending our sympathies to family and friends of Father Joe. We loved him and his faith that he shared with all of St. Josaphat's Parish. He taught my children to respect everyone. Thank you for all you gave so freely. Generations will miss you (especially at Polish Day at Kennywood)
Linda Szymanski
May 13, 2016
So very sorry to hear of his passing!
Nypaver Family
May 13, 2016
Fr. Joe was such a very dear man and we'll miss him very much. This past Easter was not the same without him at Immaculate Heart. God rest his dear soul.
Tom and Carol Nypaver Family
Judy Price
May 13, 2016
Father Joe you were a wonderful priest. We know you are at peace with our Father in heaven. You were an inspiration to so many people. May He bless you and keep you in His care.
Our prayers to you,
Judy, Tom, Nicholas and Katrina Price
Martin Gamble
May 13, 2016
My Greatest Respect and deepest condolences, on behalf of the Wilczynski and Gamble Families, to Fr. Joe
Paul Kuczma
May 13, 2016
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family of Fr. Joe.
Fr. Joe was such an important part of my family's life while he was at St. Josaphat's parish and beyond. Through the many weddings, baptisms and funerals, he was not only our pastor, but also our friend. I will always remember being an altar server for him, and will never forget how his holiday masses were always so beautiful and filled with tradition.
May the Angels lead you into paradise and may the Martyrs come to welcome you.
May you rest in peace, my friend.
May 13, 2016
Our deep sympathy and prayers to the whole family of our Dear Priest, Father Joseph Sredzinski. He was such a good person and even more a wonderful priest. He loved his priesthood, he loved God and our Blessed Mother, and he loved so much Poland and his Family. We are united in prayer for his soul as we truly miss him. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be his reward and joy in heavenly Kingdom. Sr. Ryszarda and all the Sacred Heart Sisters
Judy Roslnski
May 13, 2016
Rest in Peace my Dear Friend. You were such a good person who loved his church and parishioners. You will be missed.
Phyllis Baverso Koncerak
May 13, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Loretta, Doreen, Timothy ,Cel & Family .Fr. Joe was truly a dedicated priest, he had a great love for our Blessed Mother & St. Theresa. Fr. Joe officiated at my wedding & gave my the honor of being his bride for his First Mass . He loved decorating his church for all the holidays. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Rest in Peace my friend. Phyllis & Steve
Dave Schafer
May 13, 2016
Father Joe was an outstanding Priest. When I attended Mass on Saturdays at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church you could feel the great love and respect Father Joe had for the Church. I will miss him. I am sure that he is in Heaven for all the good he did as a Priest.
Ryan Kearney
May 13, 2016
Requiescat in pace reuerendus pater! In paradisum deducant te Angeli. I envision The Blessed Mother and Saint Theresa welcoming you. May God grant you your place in heaven!
Nonny Keane
May 13, 2016
What a kind and gentle priest and so much more. Much loved and will be missed.
Tom Baverso
May 13, 2016
FR. Joe was a great & wonderful priest.
My prayers go out to his sister and the rest of his loving family. May he rest in peace with the saints.He will be missed.
Tom Baverso & family
Juliann Ciechalski Mehall
May 13, 2016
I want to offer my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Fr. Joe. I have many fond memories from my children's Baptisms to my son being an Altar Server for Fr. Joe to all my children in the many procession for Holy Days. He was one who honored tradition in the church and gave us all the pomp & circumstance of a beautifully decorated church for Christmas and Easter. Thank you Fr. Joe!
Rose Haverlack
May 13, 2016
Father Joe was a kind and gentle man. He was an asset to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Polish Hill where I grew up. Our Lady took his hand during her month and led him to Our Lord. May he rest in peace and may our loss be consoled by his prayers for us.
Rose Haverlack
The Villages, Florida
Phyllis Baverso Koncerak
May 13, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Loretta,Doreen,Timothy , Cel and her family. Fr.Joe was a special person . He officiated at mine & my husband's wedding. I have known Fr.Joe since I was a little girl I was his bride at his First Mass. He was very dedicated to the priesthood & the Blessed Mother. He will be greatly missed. Everyone knew Fr. Joe for his Christmas decorations, his devotion to St. Theresa & Divine Mercy Rest in piece my dear friend.
Phyllis & Steve
May 13, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the family and parishioners of Fr.Joe. He is now at peace and with Our Lord. He is singing in Polish with our late brother Fr. Sredzinski to the Blessed Mother.
May he be rewarded for all the good he did as priest and friend. Fr. Joe will be missed.May his soul rest in peace. The Sredinski family
Brandy Thornton
May 13, 2016
Father Joe Baptized me at St Josephats church in 1975. My brother was an alter boy at the same church. Rest in piece Father. We will miss you.
Margaret Gowaty
May 13, 2016
My heart aches at losing Fr. Joe. You knew things would be done right when he was around. He made sure special events were kept very special.He made sure things were done properly and for the correct amount of time. Now it feels like being an orphan without any idea what will happen next. He will be greatly missed. Nothing will be the same without him.
Bill Cominsky
May 13, 2016
Saddened to wake up hearing of the passing of Fr. Joe. I only new him the past few years during the times I met him while attending the Easter and Christmas Mass seasons to see and photograph the amazing decorations he planned at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.I made special trips to Pittsburgh for this. Being a Catholic in such a troubled world it is hard to see a true catholic priest anymore that you value as a saint on earth, and that is what i could see Fr. Joe was. He was a man of unshakable faith and he believed in the truth and he fought for Immaculate Heart of Mary. Not knowing me, but the first time we met, we chatted about the architecture of the church and and mentioned also about my grandmother a devout catholic, of Slovak and Polish decent dying of cancer and that i was making trips to Pittsburgh for her cancer treatment. He put her on his prayer list. We discussed St. Josaphats beauty, which my great Aunt and Uncle were members of that was closed before i found out about the parish and i was searching for pictures of.He cared for total strangers, and took the time to talk to them and He truly cared about his former parishes, parishioners, and current parish Immaculate Heart of Mary. I have never seen a priest of such devotion and I am sure Christ welcomed him with open arms with a "job well done" as he entered the kingdom of heaven. I only hope and I know he will look over the parish and church building of Immaculate Heart of Mary from above to continue its journey for many years to come. My condolences to the parish and family of Fr. Joe. Godspeed.
Chrissy Weixel (Kubiak)
May 13, 2016
Father Joe married my parents and baptized my sister and I at St. Josephat's. I was proud to have him marry my husband and I and baptize our daughter, at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Many great memories. Rest well, Father Joe.
May 13, 2016
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of Fr.Joe's family and friends. We will cherish all of our fond memories. John and Sandy Seman
Patricia Plakosh
May 12, 2016
To the Family of Fr. Joe,
So sorry to hear of his passing. I was a teacher at IHM and truly enjoyed working with him. I will miss him.
Patricia (Shirley) Plakosh
Ziggy and Sissy Reola
May 12, 2016
We had the honor of Father Joe officiate at our wedding ceremony in 1970 while he was at St. Alphonsus Parish in Springdale. Since then, while pastor at Immacculate Heart of Mary, he officiated at the marriages of our two daughters; baptised all five of our grandchilden; and two of our granddaughters received the sacrament of First Holy Communion from Father Joe. He was very special to our family as both a pastor and dear friend. We will never forget you Father Joe.
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3201 Dobson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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