John A. Sweany
John A. Sweany, 80, of Clarksville, Pa., died Friday, Dec. 17, 2004, in his daughter’s home in New Freeport, Pa. He was born June 1, 1924, in Deemston Boro, a son of Clyde A. and Pearl Bane Sweany.
Mr. Sweany was a 1942 graduate of Centerville High School. He worked for Millsboro Lumber as a carpenter.
He was a member of East Bethlehem Baptist Church, Deemston Boro and the Hanson-Cole American Legion Post 391, Fredericktown.
Mr. Sweany served in the U.S. Marine Corp aboard the USS Langley as a gunner during World War II. While aboard ship, they shot down 260 enemy planes. During the Battle of Letey Gulf, they shot down 26 panes in 15 minutes. For his service, he received the Naval Accommodation Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation, as well as eight Major Battle Stars, one Silver Battle Star and one Gold Battle Star.
Surviving are his wife, Maribel Hines Sweany of New Freeport, Pa.; two daughters, Diana Ross of Carmichaels, Pa., and Olivia Guthrie of New Freeport, Pa.; two sons, John S. Sweany of Marianna, Pa., and Lloyd A. Sweany of Clarksville, Pa.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Hickman of Washington, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are one son, Leonard Sweany, who died June 10, 1969; three brothers, Edgar C. Sweany, Clyde D. Sweany and Leonard C. “Shane” Sweany; and five sisters, Ruth N. Riggle, Helen M. Youhouse, Evelyn Power and Vivian Sweany and Katherine Sweany, who died in infancy.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m., on Sunday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., on Monday, in the GREENLEE FUNERAL HOME, 42 Bank St., at Crawford Road, Fredericktown, Pa., where services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. James Canon officiating. Interment will be in Horn Cemetery, Marianna, Pa. Full military rites will be accorded by the Hanson-Cole American Legion Post 391. The family suggests donations may be made to the East Bethlehem Baptist Church, c/o Tracy Doman, 61 Black Dog Hollow Rd., Clarksville, PA 15322. Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com