John D Swinney Jr's Obituary
John Douglas Swinney Jr. Gone too soon and will never be forgotten.
John Swinney, 61, of St. Petersburg, passed onto Eternity on Sunday, July 12th. He was born on May 5th, 1959, in Rockford, Illinois to John and Antonia Swinney as their first-born. John lived in Florida, mostly, since 1975. His multi-talents lead him to work in many fields and he started working in the restaurant business at 15 at the Top Hat Restaurant in Loves Park Illinois. Over the years, John had careers in sales of all kinds, home renovations, repairs and much more.
John’s greatest honor was to serve in the U.S Navy and in the U.S Merchant Marines. He was instrumental in helping to build the massive Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida, through his service to the U.S Merchant Marines in the 1980’s. He was assigned as Helmsman on the Merchant Marine craft that did the dredging on the Saint Johns River to prepare for the bridge construction. He saw the bridge go up and was very proud to have had a hand in its creation.
He was preceded in death by his father John D. Swinney Sr., in January of 2019 and most recently by his mother, Antonia M. Swinney, in June of this year. He greatly missed them both. He was also preceded by his grandparents, John and Cassie Swinney, Giovanni and Albina Arpini, great-niece Trinity Chavez, (from Jessica Swinney) and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
John leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy Swinney. They married on June 8th, 2019 at a wonderful ceremony and reception at their FOE Pinellas Park Aerie #4250. They enjoyed such happiness in this past year as newlyweds and were always together.
John’s greatest accomplishment in life was his pride and joy, his son, Jonathan Swinney ( Melissa Thomas ). He was also a loving and proud step dad to Brandy Foster, ( Nick Rutherford ) and to Joan Sterling. He was so happy to welcome his grandchildren, (from Brandy Foster), including Kayla and Kyle Mabesoone, and Donald Parks Jr. John was also proud of his great-children, (from Kayla Mabesoone), Steven, Ryan and Logan Petros. He was also looking forward to the arrival of a new grandchild, (from Joan Sterling), and a new great-niece, (Kelsey and Chris Fornoff). John was very pleased with son Jonathan’s partner in life, Melissa Thomas, and looked forward to seeing their future grow together.
John also leaves behind his siblings, Mary Reilly, (Keith), Linda Swinney ( Robert ) and David Swinney. He was a wonderful big brother to them and lovingly took over as head of the family upon the passing of their father. John guided his siblings and cared for them throughout his life. He had two nieces, Kelsey Fornoff, (Chris Fornoff), and Jessica Swinney, (Danny Chavez). John had one nephew, Nicholas Swinney, (McKenzie Hester), and many great-nieces and great nephews. He loved his brother, sisters, in-laws and all his family so much and was always there to help them in their time of need. He will be greatly missed by one and all.
John enjoyed the company, over the years, of his many cousins in Illinois and Alabama and was a happy host whenever they visited. Special mention to long-time and endearing family friend Melvin Harrell. They enjoyed working together on projects and fishing, one of John’s favorite hobbies. John fished often too, with his son, father and brother. He was always drawn to the water and found it so relaxing. John also enjoyed cars and trucks and was always ready for a friendly exchange on which is better…a Ford or a Chevy!
John’s closest friend was Ken “Bear” Gerard, and these two friends were inseparable at the FOE events and outside of them too. John enjoyed Bear’s company immensely and he highly valued their friendship.
John served as Trustee to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Seminole Aerie #4147 and most recently as Trustee to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pinellas Park Aerie #4250. His involvement in the many activities at both Aeries over the years brought him great pleasure. He was also very active in AMVETS.
John was very involved in his children’s sports activities serving as Coach to Jonathan’s baseball team for several years and Coach to Brandy’s softball team as well. John was a very social yet humble man and throughout his life, even in his younger years, he always wanted to be a part of projects, gatherings and events. He possessed the kind of personality that drew others to him while, at the same time, he was always reaching out on his own. If you needed help with most anything, John Swinney was the man to call.
Services are Saturday, August 1st. Family gathers at 10 a.m. Friends of the family are invited to attend the Chapel service at 11a.m. and will be followed with an internment service at Memorial Park, St. Petersburg. All are invited. Please wear masks and practice social distancing.
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