Charles R. Sweda
Charles R. Sweda, age 92, Masontown, Pa., passed on Sunday, June 4 2017 to be with friends and relatives in Heaven.
He was born in Ronco, Pennsylvania at house number 79 on March 20, 1925.
Due to a complication at birth, he was unable to use his right arm above shoulder level. However, he persevered in life and complained sparingly.
When World War II broke out, he was 16 years old and had two brothers that were in the service. He tried to enlist in the Army but was refused because of his arm. He wanted to do his part for the war effort, so, at 17 and a high school senior, he went into the coal mine and worked to produce the products the war needed. He worked the afternoon shift in the coal mine and then went to school during the day. He completed almost all of his senior year but was forced to make a decision in February of 1943 to either stay in the coal mine or complete his senior year. He chose the mine due to the fact the war effort needed him more.
On December 6, 1963 there was an explosion in the Robena Mine. He worked to help rescue the then supposed trapped miners. All the miners that were at the face of the mine during the explosion were killed. He brought all 37 miners killed out of the mine on his tram. Many refused to do so, but he felt that it was his duty to bring them out. He worked in the coal mines for 44 years and 3 months then retired at the age of 66.
He was a Charter Member and life member of the Masontown Fish and Game Club and a social member of the Masontown VFW.
George thanks the staff of Mount Macrina Manor for the loving care they provided for Charles, especially Jodi, Linda, Brandi, Shayna, Zack and all the staff of Mount Macrina Manor who made Charlie feel like he was ‘Living the life of Riley’.
He is survived by one sister and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received at the HAKY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 515 North Main Street, Masontown, Pa., today, June 7, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. when Panachida Prayers will be said.
The Funeral Service will follow on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, 309 South Washington Street, Masontown, Pa., with the Very Reverend Father Joseph Oleynik as celebrant.
Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Masontown, Pa.
The Parastas Service will be held this evening at 6:00 p.m.
Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com