WESTFIELD – City native Joseph V. Swikalus, 85, passed away Sept. 13 and was remembered for his contributions to the community.
Mayor Daniel Knapik said Swikalus was a citizen who truly served his city.
“He was a well-known character, and I say that affectionately,” said Knapik.
Knapik said Swikalus, a longtime member of the Board of Trustees of the Eastern States Exposition, was Westfield’s liaison to The Big E.
“Joe was instrumental over the years in ensuring that kids had tickets to Westfield Day at the Big E,” said Knapik. “And he helped select the Westfield Big E parade marshall – I think this is the first year he wasn’t involved in the selection process.”
Knapik said Swikalus was an unofficial greeter in the city.
“When you get elected to this office one of the first calls you get is from Joe Swikalus,” said Knapik.
Born in Westfield on March 6, 1929, Swikalus was the son of the late Walter and Anna Swikalus. A lifelong resident of Westfield, he was educated in local schools and was a graduate of the Westfield Trade School. He was a communicant of St. Peter and St. Casimir Church.
Swikalus worked at Old Colony Envelope in Westfield for over 30 years until his retirement. After his retirement, he was owner and operator of Swikalus Power Equipment in Westfield.
Swikalus leaves his beloved wife of 60 years, Cecile (Klekotka) Swikalus; a sister Anna Dalikas of Westfield; a brother-in-law Robert Klekotka and his wife Ann of South Hadley; along with many nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by a sister Antoinette Thibault and a brother William Swikalus.
The funeral will be held tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. from the Robert E . Cusack Funeral Home, 94 Main St (Rt 20) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter and St. Casimir Church on State Street. Burial will follow in St Mary’s Cemetery, all in Westfield. There are no calling hours.
