Raymond Swirbitowicz

Naugatuck, CT Raymond Joseph Swirbitowicz, 87, husband of the late Margaret Mary (Schaefer) Swirbitowicz, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2017 at his home with his family by his side.

Ray was born on January 14, 1930 in Union City, CT a son of the late Henry and Helen (Brazicki) Swierbitowicz and was a lifelong Naugatuck resident. He attended local schools before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Ray served as a radio operator in the south pacific in Guam, Japan, the Philippines and also in Hawaii. He retired after working for 35 years from the footwear division of Uniroyal, Inc. Ray enjoyed golf, horseracing, football and he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Ray leaves five children, David Swirbitowicz of Naugatuck, Karen Schaefer of Hawaii, Christine Daisey and Joan Andrew both of Naugatuck and Patricia Parks and her husband Bill of Georgia; eight grandchildren, Laura and David Sebolao, Kelley and Jason Daisey, Ally Stronk, Matt Andrew, Kyle Andrew and Corey Andrew; his sister, Delores Wisniewski and his brother, Adam Swierbitowicz. In addition to his wife and his parents, Ray was predeceased by his sister, Helen Detullio and his brothers, William, Henry, Vic and Joseph Swierbitowicz. Ray also leaves his companion of 30 years, Jean Santarsiere.

Calling hours will be Monday, April 3, 2017 from 5-7pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck, with a Service to follow at 7:00pm. Members of the Naugatuck Veterans Council will assemble Monday at 6:45pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church, P.O. Box 68, Naugatuck, CT 06770.