Joseph Swiatek

Joseph J. Swiatek, 93, of Cheyenne passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours of Thursday July 28, 2016 at Lifecare Center in Cheyenne. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed. He was born on March 12, 1923 in Donora, Pennsylvania to Peter and Mary Swiatek. After graduating from Donora High School, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. He bravely served his country during World War II, working as a Radio Operator and Gunner on a B-24 Liberator airplane in the 44th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force, and flew 30 successful combat missions over Nazi-occupied France and Germany. Upon completion of his service, he was awarded the Air Medal with first, second, and third Oak Leaf Clusters, and also received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was given an honorable discharge in 1945. Joseph moved to Denver after the war, and studied music in the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, with a concentration in music education and vocal performance. After this, he decided to pursue a career in medical administration, and began working for the Denver VA Hospital in 1956. He relocated to Cheyenne in 1970 and became Assistant Chief of Medical Administration at the VA Hospital here, and retired in 1983. He was always proud and happy to work in service of his fellow veterans. In retirement, he liked to spend the winter months enjoying the calm warmth of Arizona with his wife and friends. His great loves in life were music, sports, and the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and he enjoyed frequent camping and fishing trips to Snowy Range with his family. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Cathedral in Cheyenne, and sang in the choir there for 15 years. He was also an avid fan of the Denver Broncos, and used to attend games at the original Mile High Stadium decades ago when the team was in its infancy. He was a member of the VFW #1881 and the Polish National Alliance. But his greatest joy was always raising his family, and being a devoted and loving father and husband. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Swiatek of Cheyenne; sons Dr. Joseph Swiatek (Jennifer) of Gambrills, Maryland, and Daniel Swiatek of Fort Collins, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings - Edward Swiatek, Vincent Swiatek, Frances Repasky, Caroline Jablecki, and Peter Swiatek. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Salvation Army or St. Mary's School. A Vigil for the Deceased will be held on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon, and Jacoby Funeral Home. The Funeral Liturgy will be on Wednesday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m at St. Mary's Cathedral, with interment to follow in Olivet Cemetery.

Service

Wednesday, August 3, 2016 10:30am

St. Mary's Cathedral

2101 Central Ave.

CHEYENNE, WY

Vigil for the Deceased will be held 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2016 in the Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home.

Interment

Olivet Cemetery

Pershing Blvd.

CHEYENNE, WY 82001