Donald Swedinovich Jr.

Donald Swedinovich Jr., 73, died peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2024. He was born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to Donald Swedinovich Sr. and Gladys (Christian) Swedinovich on July 14, 1951. 

He attended John Muir Elementary School and graduated from Parma Senior High School in 1969. 

Donald married Rachel Boulay in Newport, RI. They later divorced. 

On March 25, 2002, he married Susan K. Price in Las Vegas, NV. 

Donald served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1980 aboard the USS Dewey DLG-14 (WestPac, Vietnam), USS Buchanan DDG-14 (San Diego, CA), and USS Henry B. Wilson DDG-7. 

He was a lifetime member of the VFW, AmVets, and a member of American Legion Post 12, Elyria, OH. 

Following his military service, he began a 40+ year career at NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, starting in the electrician’s apprenticeship program and more recently as the facility's Research Support Operations Manager. He loved his NASA job and in 2022, received a plaque for 50 years of government service. At 73, he still refused to retire. One of his proudest moments was receiving NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal in 2012. 

Donald enjoyed golf, Nascar, and traveling adventures with Susan. He deeply valued the friendships he developed as a 12 year member of Columbia Hills Country Club.

As a 21 year stem cell transplant survivor for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Don continuously fought each battle that came his way, without complaint.

The family wishes to thank his brother Douglas, for his generous donation of stem cells in 2003, and his Cleveland Clinic team: Dr. Brad Pohlman (Hematolog/Oncology), and Dr's. Jeff Goshe and Reecha Kampani (Ophthalmology) for their care and support which allowed him to live his life to the fullest.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Sr. and Gladys Swedinovich.

 Donald is survived by his wife Susan K. Swedinovich, brother Douglas (Heather) Swedinovich, Las Vegas NV, daughter Shannon Weslek, Raleigh, NC, son Donald Scott Swedinovich, Lorain, OH, stepdaughter Kristin K. Price, Brookfield, WI, stepson Dustin D. Price, Eau Claire, WI, and granddaughters Brianna L. Weslek, Sydney R. Weslek, Chloe M. Squire, Danika Price, and Daylin Price. 

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Kolodiy- Lazuta Funeral Home, 5677 State Rd. Parma, OH 44134. Funeral Service on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home with Navy Military Honors to follow at 10:30 AM. Interment on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 12 NOON at Olive Branch Cemetery, Harrisville, Ohio.

Wishing you calm seas and smooth sailing, Cap't.

Well Done