Rev. Stanislaus Swierzowski, 89

Rev. Stanislaus Swierzowski, 89, died on Monday, Sept. 10.

Born on March 6, 1930, along with his twin sister, Helen, Father Swierzowski was the son of Stanislaus and Edna Dzikowicz Swierzowski.  After graduating from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam, he attended St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, Mich., and St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore Md., where he obtained his licentiate in theology.   

Father Swierzowski was ordained to the Diocese of Albany on May 26, 1956 by then-Bishop William H. Scully. After ordination, he was assigned to the Chancery Office, where he served as vice chancellor. At the same time, Father Swierzowski attended Siena College, where he obtained his Master of Science degree in 1960.  He also attended Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he obtained his Doctorate in Canon Law. 

Father Swierzowski was then assigned to the diocesan marriage tribunal. In 1969, he was appointed the vicar judicial of the Diocese, a position he held until 1978.   

On June 1, 1975, Father Swierzowski was assigned to St. John the Baptist Church in Amsterdam as its pastor. He served as pastor there as well as at St. Casimir’s Church from 1998-2007 until his retirement.  He was also a member of the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese and also a diocesan consultor. 

After his retirement, Father Swier­zowski continued his ministry by serving the community of Amsterdam at: St. Mary’s Hospital, Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility, Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Hillcrest Spring and the Sanford Home.   

Father Swierzowski was predeceased in death by his parents and siblings: Clara, Irene, Mary, John, Frank (Eleanor), Theresa (Paul) Krong, Helen, Edmund (Catherine) and Joseph, as well as a niece Geraldine Bielecki.  He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Edward Janusz, longtime family friend Alice Larson and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his “brothers and sisters” of the religious life and many faithful followers. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Sept. 14 at St. Stanislaus Church in Amsterdam presided over by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenbeger. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Father Swierzowski’s memory to St. Stanislaus Church, Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility or Community Hospice.