Rapid City – John Andrew Swaby, 86, died Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

John was born November 6, 1929 to Albert and Edith Swaby in Tamaqua, PA. He married Annette Federicci January 7, 1952. They celebrated 57 years together and he called her his sweet, southern belle. She preceded him in death on April 30, 2009.

John was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and husband.

He was a military man having served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1956 before enlisting in the US Air Force in October of1956. He was stationed throughout the United States and abroad. He retired after 20 years of service on January 1, 1965 from Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD. He was a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the service never left him, as friends and family will attest.

Following his military service, John enjoyed a second career as a senior manager for the Rapid City McDonalds, Inc. He gave many young people their first job and they learned from his strong work ethic. He retired on October 1, 1985.

On August 20, 2015, John married Margaret Hoffman of Faith in Rapid City. Though their time together was shorter than they hoped, they shared many good times full of activities and memories.

John is survived by his wife Margaret [Hoffman] Swaby and her two children: LaVonne Rook and Lynda [Gary] Galinat and their families; John's four children: John Swaby, Jr., James [Holly Kaiser] Swaby, JoAnn [Corey] Keller, and Jean Berg. John is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

He was very thankful for his many friends and the wonderful staff at Primrose Retirement Community where he lived.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 17 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with a Rosary Service at 7:00 pm led by Deacon Greg Palmer.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 18 at Cathedral Of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 520 Cathedral Drive, with Rev. Johnathan Dillon presiding.

Interment will be held at 12:00 pm noon Thursday, August 18 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full Military Honors by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Memorials  to the Disabled American Veterans Association.