Peter J. Cwalina Sr., 85, a resident of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Friday evening, October 22, 2021, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township.

His loving wife is Lorraine Cwalina. Together, Peter and Lorraine celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary on May 16^th.

Born on June 11, 1936, in Larksville, Peter was one of eight children born to the late Frank and Stephania “Stella” Cwalina.

Raised in Larksville, Peter was a graduate of the former Larksville High School, Class of 1954.

A United States Army veteran, Peter honorably served his country for over 20 years as an Army Reservist with the 300^th Field Hospital, Ashley, retiring at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was activated into the regular Army for a total of 2 ½ years – first for two years during peacetime (1957 to 1959), and for six months during the Persian Gulf War (1990 to 1991). Throughout his years of service, he was recipient of countless awards and decorations, merits of honor, and accolades – most notably three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals.

During his years of military service, Peter served on President Eisenhower’s detail, both as security and in his color guard. He was also on detail in Arlington National Cemetery, placing flags on the graves of those who honorably served their country.

Prior to his retirement, Peter was employed as a supervisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

A man of faith, Peter was a longtime member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of his church, he became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

Proud of his service to his country, Peter was a life-member of the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville, and was also a great enthusiast of West Point Military Academy’s football team.

Active within his community, many will remember Peter as a bartender at the former Shanky’s Café, Swoyersville. Having a passion for cooking throughout his life, he assisted with catering for Shanky’s, most notably with their clam bakes at the café and when they would host clam bakes for Nabisco Foods in Hanover Township. He also prepared the SOS for the former Swoyersville Lions Club annual breakfasts for many years.

Peter spent the early years of his retirement traveling across the country with Lorraine. Together, they visited 43 of the 50 states, and he fulfilled his promise to take all of his grandchildren to Disneyworld. Above all, he was a loving and devoted family man – his family meant the world to him. A doting grandfather, he reveled in all of his grandchildren’s achievements and was so very proud of each of them. Although his presence will be deeply missed, he will forever be remembered for the love he had for family, God, and country.

In addition to his parents, Frank and Stella Cwalina, Peter was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward, Benjamin, Henry “Walter”, and Frank Cwalina; and his sisters, Florence Gurick and Bernadine Borowski.

In addition to his wife, Lorraine, Peter is survived by his three children, Peter J. Cwalina Jr. and his wife, Mary Jane, Swoyersville; Paul Cwalina and his wife, Ann, Drums; and Debra Cwalina, Swoyersville; his eight grandchildren, Samantha Cwalina; Peter Cwalina III and his wife, Londyn; Rebecca Cwalina; Nicholas Cwalina; Michael Cwalina; Colleen Cwalina; Amanda Kapes; and Rachel Sommers; his three great-grandchildren, Peter J. Cwalina IV; Kayden Cwalina; and Grace Ann Kapes; his brother, Joseph Cwalina and his wife, Mary, New Jersey; as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 9:30 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Family and Friends are invited to Peter’s viewing which will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Cwalina Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

The family has kindly requested that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions may be made in Peter’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.