Antonia Swinney's Obituary
Antonia Swinney, 84, of St. Petersburg, died on Friday, June 12. 2020. Born on January 16, 1936, in Trieste, Italy, Antonia immigrated to the United States in 1953 and within two short years would meet and then marry the love of her life, John Swinney. She worked in Rockford, primarily in manufacturing/factory work but through the years she worked in other fields, often taking second jobs along with her primary work. She worked in Tampa Florida and later, in St. Petersburg Florida, until she fully retired. She was married to John for over 6 decades and had 4 children with him. Her husband predeceased her in 2019. She enjoyed cooking, tending to her home, volunteer work, and crafts. She loved playing Bingo, working at flea markets and having garage sales. She was extremely family focused and everything she did was with her family in mind. Nothing made her happier than to see everyone during the Holidays. She loved to sing, especially hymns and could play the harmonica. Toni loved to yodel and was quite good.
Antonia loved to laugh and was always seeking humor in everyday life. Each morning she got up with a strong purpose and a positive attitude. People who met her liked her instantly and she had vast numbers of friends. They were drawn to her warm demeanor, her sense of humor and the way she deeply respected and listened to people. She was very devoted to Our Lord Jesus Christ and to Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary. She attended Holy Cross, Sacred Heart and also Transfiguration Catholic Parishes. She was an endearing person in the lives of so many. She was an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, niece and cousin. Antonia was a natural born leader and she inspired confidence and courage in others. She will be deeply missed.
Special recognition to Antonia’s Cousin Mario R. Ghinazzi, (POW), 38th Infantry Regiment. When just a teenager, he arranged to bring my Mother and her family to the United State from Italy. He couldn’t bear the thought of his family suffering greatly in Post World War II Europe. It took many years to properly immigrate the family to the U.S. Before Mario could finish the process and to see his family arrive here safely, he was captured and killed as a POW in the Korean War at the tender age of 21. If not for his efforts in time, funds and paperwork, the Arpini family would never have been able to immigrate to America. He never got to meet Antonia and her family that he so badly wanted to help. They were allowed to enter the States 2 years after Mario’s death. Thank you, Mario, for your deep and abiding love for your family and to the ultimate sacrifice you paid for our Country. You inspire us all.
Preceded in death by her husband John D. Swinney, Parents, Giovanni and Albina Arpini, Sister Alda Dufek, infant brother Antonio Arpini and infant Great-Granddaughter, Trinity Leanna Chavez, cousin Amelia, (Millie) Critchlow and most recently, her sister-in-law and very good friend, Evelyn Swinney, among other cherished family members gone before her.
Survived by son, John Douglas Swinney Jr. (spouse; Nancy Joann Swinney), daughter Mary Louise Reilly (spouse; Keith Alfred Reilly), son David Albino Swinney and daughter Linda Lucia Swinney, (partner; Robert Jan Glas). Two sisters, Mary Fiorenza (spouse; William Fiorenza) and Rose Ann Cimino. Sister-in-laws Corine Swinney and Shirley Swinney Johnson.
Antonia’s Grandchildren include Jonathan Darrell Swinney, (partner; Melissa Nicole Thomas), Jessica Marie Swinney, (partner; Daniel Chavez). Kelsey Lynn Fornoff, (spouse; Christopher Alexander Fornoff), Nicholas David Swinney (partner; McKenzie Anne Hester).
Great-Grandchildren, Richard Glenn Harrington Jr., Trinity Leanna Chavez, (deceased), Tristan Levi Chavez, Braxton Aaron Fornoff, Oaklee Kade Fornoff and two newly born Great-Grandsons, Theo Landyn Chavez and Noah Aiden Swinney. Also Kayla Renee Mabesoone, Kyle Robert Jacob Mabesoone and Donald Michael Parks, Jr. and Great-Great Children, Steven Anthony Petros, Ryan James Petros, and Logan Michael Petros.
In addition, Antonia was a very proud Aunt and much like a second Mom to Edna, Shirley, Sharon, Fred, Pam, (deceased), Priscilla, Julie, Susan, Lisa S., Lisa J., Michael, Jennifer, Jacques, Jean-Paul, Billy, Laura, Peggy, Phillip, Aldo, Patrick Sr. She also had many Great and Great-Great Nieces and Nephews. Cousin Joe Critchlow, Family members, Laurie Swinney, Anissa Swinney, Brandy Foster and Melvin Harrell. All were in her heart.
Special recognition to her many friends. Toni was very social and she valued her friendships immensely. The family wishes to thank Sister MaryAnn who was a special confidante to her. Thanks to Sandra, with Holy Cross Parish, who brought my Mom The Holy Eucharist when she was home bound. Her friends, Father Tony, Richard and Cheryl, Beverly, Denise, Senada and family. Recognition to all of her friends at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Special mention to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where Toni was a volunteer. Antonia had many more friends, both lifetime friends and those she knew for some years. Special recognition and thanks to Dr. Thomas Mathias and to her friends in the Medical Field who helped care for her. You all made a difference in her life.
Wednesday, June 24th. Family viewing at 11:30a.m., Friends of the family Viewing at 12:30p.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 1:30p.m. and graveside services at Memorial Park. 5750 49TH Street, St. Augustine, FL 33709.
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