Obituary of John J. Schwing Jr.

John J. Schwing Jr., a longtime resident of Shelton and the son of the late John J. Schwing Sr. and Helen L. Schwing, died Sunday, March 19, 2017 at St. Joseph Manor in Trumbull. He was 97. He grew up in Fairfield and attended the public schools in that town. Like many young men of his generation, he served in the Army during World War II. He was wounded in action in France, and in recognition, was awarded a Purple Heart medal. He completed his education at the University of Bridgeport after the war, graduating with a degree in engineering. He subsequently worked as an engineer of plastic molding at the Bryant Electric division of Westinghouse Corp. in Bridgeport and later at the Harvey Hubbell plant in Newtown. In 1946, he married Jean Sherman, and together they were the parents of three children. After Jean's death in 1980, he married Helen Snow in 1987. She died in 2008. Over the years, Mr. Schwing was active in civic and professional organizations, and took particular pride in his role with the Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter in Derby. He also was one of the early members of the Shelton Conservation Commission, reflecting his longtime interest in nature and the environment. In addition, he had been a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, a lay lecturer at St. Lawrence Church, as well as an official of Boy Scout Troop 26. He also was an avid gardener and golfer. He is survived by his three children, James L. Schwing of Ellensburg, WA; John S. Schwing of New Haven, and Kathryn Burns and her husband Robert of Stony Point, NY, step-granddaughters, Amy O'Donnell and Sara Brame, a nephew, David Histon, and several cousins. He also was predeceased by a sister, Doris Histon, and a daughter in-law, Cynthia Murray. Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Shelton on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Purple Heart Foundation at purpleheartfoundation.org. or at Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, Inc., 7008 Little River Turnpike, PO Box 49, Annandale, VA 22003.