Deacon Stephen J. Swinarski

SWINARSKI – Deacon Stephen J.

June 17, 1939 – February 2, 2026

Of Town of Tonawanda, NY

With deep faith and loving remembrance, we honor the life of Deacon Stephen J. Swinarski, of Town of Tonawanda, NY, a devoted husband of 63 years to his loving wife, Mary, a dedicated father and grandfather, and a humble servant of God whose life was defined by faith, hard work, and unwavering love for his family and others.

A man of profound faith, Deacon Swinarski was ordained in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo in 2003. He faithfully served at St. Andrew’s Church in Kenmore and at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where he brought prayer, hope, and comfort to patients and families facing cancer. His ministry was lived not only through words, but through quiet acts of compassion, steady presence, and sincere care for all he encountered.

Born and raised in Western New York, he was a proud graduate of Hutchinson Central Technical High School. A hardworking provider, he began his career as a garage owner, later transitioning to work for the City of Buffalo, where he eventually became a Supervisor in the Parks Department. During his early years with the City of Buffalo, he also worked as a welder at Bethlehem Steel, and later at the Ford Stamping Plant, where he served as Supervisor of Automation. Despite the demands of his career, his family always came first.

In his younger years, he had a passion for automobiles and proudly drag raced cars, a pursuit that reflected his mechanical skill, confidence, and love of speed. Baseball was another lifelong passion. Throughout his life, he also found joy in fishing, boating, and working with model trains, interests that brought him both peace and happiness.

Above all, he was a devoted family man who was always present—coaching his children’s basketball, soccer, and baseball teams; playing a round of golf with his children and grandchildren; enjoying time together in the pool; or simply being there whenever he was needed. He cherished Sunday Mass with his family and attended daily Mass whenever his schedule allowed, grounding his life in faith, gratitude, and service. He now rests in the peace of Christ.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary J. (Strozyk) Swinarski, and their seven children and their families: Shari (Charles) Hathaway and her children Stephanie, Charles (Sarah), and Samantha; Stephen (Michelle) and their children Stephen, Michael, David, Reagan, Amelia, Nicholas, Maximilian, and Gabriel; Mark (Lisa) and their children Avery and Marisa; Matthew (Evelyn) and their children Matthew, Olivia, and Marianna; Edward (Lisa) and their children Alexander and Xavier; Benard; and John (Sarah) and their children Vienna, Elijah, Aurora, and Luke. He is also survived by his sister, Darlene Lapinski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Alfreda Swinarski, and his beloved sister, Elaine.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of HighPointe on Michigan for their compassionate care and support.

Funeral Services:

Funeral services will be held at Saint Timothy Parish, Tonawanda, NY. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, February 13, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, at 9:30 AM, at Saint Timothy Church, with The Most Reverend Richard Malone, Bishop of Buffalo, presiding.  Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) (ewtn.org), Catholic Charities (ccwny.org) and/or Doctors Without Borders,  St. Vincent dePaul Society in keeping with his spirit of faith and service.

Condolences may be shared at www.GinnaneFuneralHome.com

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