Nicholas L. Swyka, Sr. Nicholas Lew Swyka, Sr. of Middletown, DE passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home on November 13th, 2012 at the age of 91. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 23rd, 1920. Called to serve his country, Nick proudly enlisted in the U. S. Army during WWIIContinue Reading
Nicholas L. Swyka, Sr.
Nicholas Lew Swyka, Sr. of Middletown, DE passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home on November 13th, 2012 at the age of 91. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 23rd, 1920.
Called to serve his country, Nick proudly enlisted in the U. S. Army during WWII as an Anti-tank Gunman with the 99th Infantry Division of the 395th Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for heroism during the Battle of the Bulge where he was injured but continued to fight.
Nick was a life-long member of St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chesapeake City, Maryland and a member of the American Legion Post 25 of Middletown Delaware. In 1986 he retired from Carpenters Local 626 after 42 years of service.
A master carpenter, he enjoyed his wood working shop, and working in his garden, but what he loved most was spending time with his family. He had a quick wit and always had a good story which he was willing to share with family and friends.
Nick shared 70 years of marriage with his loving and devoted wife, Mildred.
Left to cherish the memory of their Father are his children, Nicholas Jr. and his wife Shannon of Houston, TX, Richard and his wife Cynthia of Hartly, DE, Joyce and her husband Dr. Kenneth Corrin of Galena, MD, Barbara and her husband Charles Stanley of Warwick, MD, Steven and his wife Marie of Glenn Mills, PA, Theresa and her companion Timothy Walkup of Middletown, DE, Virginia and her companion Wayne Leonard of Glasgow, DE, and John and his wife Traci of Newark, DE. Nick and Mildred also have 20 Grand Children, 18 Great Grand Children and 1 Great Great Grand Daughter. Nick is also survived by his brothers Leon of Middletown, NY and Pete of Elkton, MD.
A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 PM on Friday, November 16th, 2012 at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 318 George St., Chesapeake City, MD 21915. A visitation service will be held at the same location from 9 to 10 AM on Saturday November 17th. Following the visitation service, a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM at St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 231 Basil Ave., Chesapeake City, MD and interment will be at St. Roses of Lima Cemetery, Chesapeake City, MD.
The Swyka Family gives special thanks to Susan Rutkoske of Vitas Hospice Care for the compassionate care she provided to Nick and the comfort she provided to his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Chesapeake City, or the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund c/o the funeral home.
BARBARA STANLEY
left a message on January 6, 2013:
I'LL NEVER FORGET WHEN I ASKED MY DAD TO GIVE ME AWAY IN MY SECOND WEDDING. HE SAID "WHAT AGAIN.....i DID IT ONCE" WE ALL MISS HIM VERY MUCH AND I KNOW HE WAS PROUD OF HIS ENTIRE FAMILY.
Rusty & Allana Chambers (from Agway)
left a message on November 25, 2012:
Mrs Swyka It was always a pleasure to serve you and Mr. Swyka at Agway, you both were always so pleasant. We enjoyed customers like you. In my travels, I saw that the saw blade at the end of your drive was missing, I knew Mr. Swyka must have not been feeling well, it is the end of an Era. Best wished to you and your family, We are sorry for your loss, they don't make them like that any more. Rusty & Allana
Tennille McGinnis
left a message on November 18, 2012:
you will be missed you always welcomed me into your home and i was always greatful for this you were a great father n law to my sister Traci and she loved you dearly
Samantha Swyka
left a message on November 18, 2012:
My Gig-gi was an intelligent man. The two things he would always ask me as soon as I said hello were "How's work treatin' you?" and "How are you doing in school?" The most important thing to him was to get the best education possible. His exact words that I will always live by are “they can take away everything you have but they can’t take away your education. You learn as much as you can so you can do whatever you want in life.” He had only finished the 9th grade when he got pulled out of school to fight for our country, and I know for a fact that if he could, he would most definitely finish his high school education. However, he was such a gifted man for what knowledge he had. He taught himself a lot, such as how to create beautifully crafted wood pieces. I still have the rocking chair he made me when I was a little girl. This is why it was so heartwarming to see him smile the night of my graduation, he was proud of what I had done for him, even though he had done so much for me, his family, and our country. It was literally the least I could do. The stories he would share with all of us made for such a great laugh every now and again. My favorite will always be any story that involved his sly half-smirk that he would crack throughout telling his tale. We would only get a story when he was done his chores, with the help of my dad, and here recently his “adopted grandson” (my boyfriend, Matthew). He would always make sure his land, home, and his wife were all taken care of, no matter how much pain he was recently in. He worked as hard as he could up until a few days before the Lord called him up. I can only imagine him having a shot and a beer with God and all his war buddies having a grand celebration, looking over all the people he has made an impact on (which just so happened to be everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him). As I said my goodbye to him I could hear him say “Yakshemash” then I see him reaching his hand out for a firm handshake, followed by a
Penny (Fanning) Parrott
left a message on November 17, 2012:
I grew up next door to the Swyka family. I saw first hand the wonderful man that he was and the relationships he had with his wife and children. He was a very hard working man and took pride in his home, garden and everything else he did. Even though my name is Penny...he always called me "Nickle". Even when I saw him several years ago in the old Acme in Middletown when I asked him if he knew who I was...his answer with the great big smile of his..."Yes I do..your "Nickle". I always thought the reason he called me that was because he thought I was worth more than a "Penny". To the whole family...you are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep all those great memories of him in your heart and he will always be with you. Love to you all.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Joan and Ron Sabbato
left a message on November 16, 2012:
Nick and Millie were introduced to us when the local veterans of WWII were invited to a showing at Apex Piping of the WWII Memorial Eagles which would be headed to Washington, D.C. for installation. They instantly became not just an acquaintance, but also our friends. Both Nick and Millie have lived their lives with all of their priorities in order: God first, their family second and everything else comes last. Nick was a generous and gracious man who left his mark on you at your first introduction. We will miss all the wonderful time we were able to spend when we would just "drop by" to visit. There was always a warm welcome and many fun stories to share. Here's to Nick until we meet again! We will miss you. Love and sympathy to every single one of the family. Ron and Joan Sabbato
Angie Buntin
left a message on November 16, 2012:
My grandfather was the greatest man I ever knew. I lived with him until I was three, and twice in college between boyfriends. I stayed at his home every Thursday night, and every summer in between. He drove me to school when I missed the bus, and picked me up from school if I was sick. He helped me get an A in 6th grade history by coming to school and letting me interview him about the war, and in 9th grade English by helping me build a cemetery for Romeo and Juliet. He was always more than a grandfather to me. He was a father, and in the end, the last thing he told me was how proud he was of the mother I'd become.
Lisa Malin
left a message on November 16, 2012:
My grandfather always greeted me with a smile, a hug, and I know i will type it wrong... a Yakshamiesh... and if you didn't answer right..you got that look and then a smile. I cherish every moment I spent with him and am honored to say that he was my Grandfather. I will miss him dearly, but am so grateful for all the times we spent together. Until we are reunited Gigi, you will always be in my heart!
Ginny Swyka
left a message on November 15, 2012:
Dad was a great Father, a constant teacher and a close friend. I feel so lucky that he was a part of my life for so long. He enjoyed time spent together more than anything. He gave everything and never asked for a thing in return. He loved laughter and enjoyed his shot and a beer. He was truly the salt of the earth.
Ed Colaprete
left a message on November 15, 2012:
Nick was a great guy and a fellow Veteran. I met Nick years ago when I joined Post 25. He was a good friend and I admired him for his service to our Country. Rest in Peace my friend.
Rev. Volodymyr Klanichka
left a message on November 15, 2012:
May Our Lord be near you on this day and Bless you in his gracious way, and may each sympathetic prayer help easy the sorrow that you bear. May Nicholas rest in peace and His memory be eternal! Vichnaya Pamiat!
John Swyka Sr.
left a message on November 15, 2012:
When I think about dad, I think about a man that enjoyed simple things in life like nice weather to do a hard day's work in, a hot bowl of mom's chicken soup, a ride on the golf cart with Charlie, watching "Hee-Haw" and good conversation while having a shot and beer at the end of the day. If there was something he needed, a piece of furniture, a lamp, or a tool, he would much rather make it than buy it. He was an excellent carpenter, mechanic, electrician and plumber and strived for perfection in anything he had his hands in. One of his many great accomplishments was the beautiful home he built for his family without using drawings or power tools. Dad was such a hard worker, spending hours in the basement sharpening tools every evening after already putting in a hard day's work to earn a little extra money. He also received great satasfaction in passing on his knowledge, talents and wisdom to his children and grand children. He told so many interesting stories of his life before, during and after the war, yet I'm certain we didn't hear them all. He endured some very rough times throughout his life, times when there may have been no money, shoes or very little food, yet he still had fond memories of how he and his family found ways to get by. Rightfully so, there was a distinct proudness in his voice as he told stories of surviving those hard times. He was so arnry and loved practical jokes, even if it was one that ended up back-firing on him. One of my favorites was when he replaced the contents of a nearly empty bottle of scotch with some room temperature tea in preparation for our weekend shot and beer. He laughed so hard when he saw the reaction on my face to a sip of unsweetened tea instead fine scotch. I will never forget the laughter at that moment, nor will I forget the phone call I got on Wednesday evening of the following week when he proceeded to tell me that he dicided to have a shot and beer that day, forgetting all about the bottle that he had spiked with tea. I only wish I could have been there to with him to share in the laughter when he realized that he tricked himself. He let you know when you made him proud and I can tell you from experience, it is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world to have earned the respect of such a great man, father and friend. We love you so much Dad!
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BARBARA STANLEY
left a message on January 6, 2013:
I'LL NEVER FORGET WHEN I ASKED MY DAD TO GIVE ME AWAY IN MY SECOND WEDDING. HE SAID "WHAT AGAIN.....i DID IT ONCE" WE ALL MISS HIM VERY MUCH AND I KNOW HE WAS PROUD OF HIS ENTIRE FAMILY.
Rusty & Allana Chambers (from Agway)
left a message on November 25, 2012:
Mrs Swyka It was always a pleasure to serve you and Mr. Swyka at Agway, you both were always so pleasant. We enjoyed customers like you. In my travels, I saw that the saw blade at the end of your drive was missing, I knew Mr. Swyka must have not been feeling well, it is the end of an Era. Best wished to you and your family, We are sorry for your loss, they don't make them like that any more. Rusty & Allana
Tennille McGinnis
left a message on November 18, 2012:
you will be missed you always welcomed me into your home and i was always greatful for this you were a great father n law to my sister Traci and she loved you dearly
Samantha Swyka
left a message on November 18, 2012:
My Gig-gi was an intelligent man. The two things he would always ask me as soon as I said hello were "How's work treatin' you?" and "How are you doing in school?" The most important thing to him was to get the best education possible. His exact words that I will always live by are “they can take away everything you have but they can’t take away your education. You learn as much as you can so you can do whatever you want in life.” He had only finished the 9th grade when he got pulled out of school to fight for our country, and I know for a fact that if he could, he would most definitely finish his high school education. However, he was such a gifted man for what knowledge he had. He taught himself a lot, such as how to create beautifully crafted wood pieces. I still have the rocking chair he made me when I was a little girl. This is why it was so heartwarming to see him smile the night of my graduation, he was proud of what I had done for him, even though he had done so much for me, his family, and our country. It was literally the least I could do. The stories he would share with all of us made for such a great laugh every now and again. My favorite will always be any story that involved his sly half-smirk that he would crack throughout telling his tale. We would only get a story when he was done his chores, with the help of my dad, and here recently his “adopted grandson” (my boyfriend, Matthew). He would always make sure his land, home, and his wife were all taken care of, no matter how much pain he was recently in. He worked as hard as he could up until a few days before the Lord called him up. I can only imagine him having a shot and a beer with God and all his war buddies having a grand celebration, looking over all the people he has made an impact on (which just so happened to be everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him). As I said my goodbye to him I could hear him say “Yakshemash” then I see him reaching his hand out for a firm handshake, followed by a
Penny (Fanning) Parrott
left a message on November 17, 2012:
I grew up next door to the Swyka family. I saw first hand the wonderful man that he was and the relationships he had with his wife and children. He was a very hard working man and took pride in his home, garden and everything else he did. Even though my name is Penny...he always called me "Nickle". Even when I saw him several years ago in the old Acme in Middletown when I asked him if he knew who I was...his answer with the great big smile of his..."Yes I do..your "Nickle". I always thought the reason he called me that was because he thought I was worth more than a "Penny". To the whole family...you are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep all those great memories of him in your heart and he will always be with you. Love to you all.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Joan and Ron Sabbato
left a message on November 16, 2012:
Nick and Millie were introduced to us when the local veterans of WWII were invited to a showing at Apex Piping of the WWII Memorial Eagles which would be headed to Washington, D.C. for installation. They instantly became not just an acquaintance, but also our friends. Both Nick and Millie have lived their lives with all of their priorities in order: God first, their family second and everything else comes last. Nick was a generous and gracious man who left his mark on you at your first introduction. We will miss all the wonderful time we were able to spend when we would just "drop by" to visit. There was always a warm welcome and many fun stories to share. Here's to Nick until we meet again! We will miss you. Love and sympathy to every single one of the family. Ron and Joan Sabbato
Angie Buntin
left a message on November 16, 2012:
My grandfather was the greatest man I ever knew. I lived with him until I was three, and twice in college between boyfriends. I stayed at his home every Thursday night, and every summer in between. He drove me to school when I missed the bus, and picked me up from school if I was sick. He helped me get an A in 6th grade history by coming to school and letting me interview him about the war, and in 9th grade English by helping me build a cemetery for Romeo and Juliet. He was always more than a grandfather to me. He was a father, and in the end, the last thing he told me was how proud he was of the mother I'd become.
Lisa Malin
left a message on November 16, 2012:
My grandfather always greeted me with a smile, a hug, and I know i will type it wrong... a Yakshamiesh... and if you didn't answer right..you got that look and then a smile. I cherish every moment I spent with him and am honored to say that he was my Grandfather. I will miss him dearly, but am so grateful for all the times we spent together. Until we are reunited Gigi, you will always be in my heart!
Ginny Swyka
left a message on November 15, 2012:
Dad was a great Father, a constant teacher and a close friend. I feel so lucky that he was a part of my life for so long. He enjoyed time spent together more than anything. He gave everything and never asked for a thing in return. He loved laughter and enjoyed his shot and a beer. He was truly the salt of the earth.
Ed Colaprete
left a message on November 15, 2012:
Nick was a great guy and a fellow Veteran. I met Nick years ago when I joined Post 25. He was a good friend and I admired him for his service to our Country. Rest in Peace my friend.
Rev. Volodymyr Klanichka
left a message on November 15, 2012:
May Our Lord be near you on this day and Bless you in his gracious way, and may each sympathetic prayer help easy the sorrow that you bear. May Nicholas rest in peace and His memory be eternal! Vichnaya Pamiat!
John Swyka Sr.
left a message on November 15, 2012:
When I think about dad, I think about a man that enjoyed simple things in life like nice weather to do a hard day's work in, a hot bowl of mom's chicken soup, a ride on the golf cart with Charlie, watching "Hee-Haw" and good conversation while having a shot and beer at the end of the day. If there was something he needed, a piece of furniture, a lamp, or a tool, he would much rather make it than buy it. He was an excellent carpenter, mechanic, electrician and plumber and strived for perfection in anything he had his hands in. One of his many great accomplishments was the beautiful home he built for his family without using drawings or power tools. Dad was such a hard worker, spending hours in the basement sharpening tools every evening after already putting in a hard day's work to earn a little extra money. He also received great satasfaction in passing on his knowledge, talents and wisdom to his children and grand children. He told so many interesting stories of his life before, during and after the war, yet I'm certain we didn't hear them all. He endured some very rough times throughout his life, times when there may have been no money, shoes or very little food, yet he still had fond memories of how he and his family found ways to get by. Rightfully so, there was a distinct proudness in his voice as he told stories of surviving those hard times. He was so arnry and loved practical jokes, even if it was one that ended up back-firing on him. One of my favorites was when he replaced the contents of a nearly empty bottle of scotch with some room temperature tea in preparation for our weekend shot and beer. He laughed so hard when he saw the reaction on my face to a sip of unsweetened tea instead fine scotch. I will never forget the laughter at that moment, nor will I forget the phone call I got on Wednesday evening of the following week when he proceeded to tell me that he dicided to have a shot and beer that day, forgetting all about the bottle that he had spiked with tea. I only wish I could have been there to with him to share in the laughter when he realized that he tricked himself. He let you know when you made him proud and I can tell you from experience, it is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world to have earned the respect of such a great man, father and friend. We love you so much Dad!
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