IN MEMORIAM: John Swank, Jr., 89;

Korean War Veteran, Jehovah’s Witness

WEST BURLINGTON – John Swank Jr. (AKA Dad, Grandpa, Pops and Big Cheese), 89, a combat veteran of the Korean War and Jehovah’s Witness, passed away on Sept. 18, 2019, after a long fight with Dementia. He went to sleep peacefully surrounded by his family in his home.

John was predeceased by his parents and eight of his 12 siblings. He was born at home in Canajoharie. He met his wife, Anne C. Swank in December 1950, and nine months later they were married.

John served three years in the Army, fighting in the front lines in Korea. He also worked for the CIA (which, of course we can not discuss).

John was an accomplished and successful carpenter. He worked for many large construction companies as the superintendent. He loved to travel (all over), snowmobiling (at one time he sold Arctic Cats), camping (good memories with his family and the Ciganenkos), Daytona Beach vacations with the Merrifield and Potter families. He was quite adventurous and very generous.

John was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Nov. 21, 1964. He loved his God, Jehovah and enjoyed sharing his faith and hope for the future with others. He worked on many disaster reliefs and helped build numerous Kingdom Halls.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Anne C. Swank of West Burlington. His “girls” (as he like to call them), Susan Nesbitt of Illion, Linda (Phil) Paddock of Oneonta, Lorraine (Jim) Briggs of West Burlington, Christine (Tim) Lord of Edmeston, and his adopted son Kevin (Teri) Potter of Edmeston. His grandchildren, Rebecca (Eric) Burton, David (Sarah) Nesbitt, Michael (Adrian) Nesbitt, Wesley John (Carisa) Paddock, Emily (Justin) Gunther, Jared (Carrie) Briggs, Kymberli Briggs and Kaine Lord. His great-frandchildren, Aiden and Abigail Paddock, Natalie Gunther, Benjamin and Samuel Nesbitt. His good friend Everett Pashley and his cat, Daisy Mae. He also had many adopted grandchildren (some he adopted and some that adopted him).

Calling hours will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, followed by his service at 2 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Route 28, Schuyler Lake. Light refreshments will be served after.

A very special “thank you” to the Catskill Area Hospice and Kathy McIntyre, who helped with his care. You guys are Awesome.

To send condolences, visit www.Delkerterryfuneralhome.com, or on Facebook at Delker &  Terry Funeral Home.