Lawrence J. Swiston

Lawrence J Swiston, 100, of Darien Illinois passed away peacefully on February 19th at his home in Darien, Illinois. Larry was born June 20th, 1924, in Chicago, IL, the son of Marie "Maria" Peksa and Roman Switalski. He grew up in Chicago and went to work for Western Electric right after graduating from Gage Park High School in 1943. As a young new engineer at the Hawthorn plant, he met Betty Schmitt and were married on Nov 30, 1947. Betty and Larry spent the next 62 years together in marriage as devoted parents, grandparents, and best friends. For more than 50 years, Larry resided with his family in Clarendon Hills, where he was an active community member involved in many pursuits. He proudly served as a flight engineer and staff Sargent in the 108th light bomber squadron Illinois Air National guard. He was a member on the Notre Dame Church Council and a secretary as well as a coach for Clarendon Hills Little League. He served for years on the Boy Scout Troop 151 committee and was an active camper with the troop. Larry was a lifetime member of the Western Society of Engineers as well as a life member of the Telephone Pioneers. Larry served for many years as chairman on the Architectural Advisory Board for the Village of Clarendon Hills. Larry received 3 engineering degrees from IIT Mechanical Electrical and Design and retired from Western Electric as the Sr. Engineer of the Hawthorn plant in Cicero. Larry was a loving and compassionate husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Larry is survived by his three children, Linda S. Long of Chicago, Karen K. Sullivan of St. Augustine, FL and Greg (Mary) Swiston of Downers Grove; and his 10 grandchildren, Adam J. Long, Devin S. Long, Skyeler L. Timmons (Cassie), Brock E. Kowske, Larry Swiston, Christian Swiston, Gregory Swiston, Jamie (Beth) Smith, Kristofer Sullivan and Katie (Jeremy) Collins. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Tyler Long, Ryder and Wyatt Timmons, Kenzie Martin, Trenton Palucci, Aaliyah Smith, Braden Gerage, Dylan Smith, Jameson Smith and Lyra Smith, his extended family, Jenean Long (the late Jeff) and their children Autumn and Trevor, Brad (Laurie) Long and their children Jonah, Hayden and Taytum, and Steve Long and his children Tanner and Taylin, and his team of compassionate caretakers. Visitation will be held Friday, February 28th, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 S. Grant St. (First & Grant St.), Hinsdale, IL 60521. Funeral Saturday March 1st, family, and friends will meet for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Notre Dame Church, Chicago Ave. and Norfolk St., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 or https://www.misericordia.com/giving/ For info call 630-323-0275 or www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com