Peter Swenski Jr Obituary May 20, 2026 | Pittsburgh, PA
Peter Swenski Jr., 71, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Peter Swenski Jr. was a devoted husband, proud father, cherished grandfather, and respected member of the Pittsburgh community. With his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and quick wit, Peter lived a full life marked by love for family, dedication to his craft, and deep roots in Western Pennsylvania. His warm presence and steady guidance will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
A Life Well Lived
Peter Michael Swenski Jr. was born on October 8, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Peter Swenski Sr. and Helen (Kowalski) Swenski. Raised in the Polish-American neighborhoods of the South Side, he grew up surrounded by faith, family traditions, and a strong sense of community. He graduated from South Pittsburgh High School in 1972 and later attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in Business Administration.
After college, Peter proudly served in the United States Navy for six years. His military service shaped his character, teaching him discipline, teamwork, and the importance of service before self. Upon returning home, he built a successful career in the steel and manufacturing industry, eventually becoming a plant operations manager for a major Pittsburgh-area company. Colleagues described him as a fair leader who remembered everyone’s name and always took time to mentor younger workers.
Peter Swenski Jr. was also a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan, a dedicated member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, and an active participant in local Polish cultural organizations. He enjoyed fishing on the Allegheny River, coaching his sons’ baseball teams, playing golf, and hosting lively family cookouts where his famous pierogi and kielbasa were always the stars of the table. He took great pride in his Polish heritage and passed down family traditions to his children and grandchildren.
Surviving Family Members
Peter is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Barbara (Nowak) Swenski of Pittsburgh; his children: son Peter Swenski III (Michelle) of Cranberry Township, daughter Nicole (Mark) Kowalski of Bethel Park, and son Christopher Swenski of Pittsburgh; his beloved grandchildren: Peter IV, Sophia, Lucas, Emma, and Mia; and many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Sr. and Helen Swenski, and his sister, Mary Ellen Swenski.
Funeral Details and Arrangements
A Mass of Christian Burial for Peter Swenski Jr. will be celebrated on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, with Father Anthony Kowalski officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 24, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Joseph J. Bruno Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will include his sons and grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church or to the Wounded Warrior Project in Peter’s honor.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Peter Swenski Jr. was more than a husband, father, and grandfather — he was the heart of his family. He showed up every day with quiet strength, a ready smile, and hands willing to help. Whether repairing something around the house, offering wise advice, or simply sitting on the porch sharing stories of his Navy days and growing up in Pittsburgh, Peter made everyone around him feel safe, valued, and loved.
He taught his children the importance of hard work, keeping your word, and honoring your roots. His grandchildren will always remember Grandpa’s bear hugs, his silly jokes, and the way he made every holiday special. Peter lived his Catholic faith with sincerity and found joy in the simple things — Sunday dinners, polka music, watching the Steelers, and time spent with the people he loved most.
Though our hearts ache at his passing, we find comfort knowing Peter has been welcomed into the arms of his Savior and reunited with his parents and loved ones who went before him. His legacy of faith, family, and fidelity will live on through every generation that carries the Swenski name.
Condolences and Guestbook
The Swenski family invites relatives, friends, and community members to share memories, photos, and messages of condolence in the guestbook below. These words of love and support will be a great comfort during this time of sorrow.
