Stephen Swika Jr. passes away
By amusementtoday | August 30, 2016
Stephen Swika, Jr., 77, of Scott Twp., Pa., owner of Pennsylvania-based S&S Amusements, passed away peacefully at home August 19, 2016.
Born in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Stephen Swika Sr. and Justine Mikloiche Swika. He was a graduate of Blakely High School.
Swika Jr.’s family began in the outdoor amusement industry as a game concession operation. But, in 1957, he and his dad partnered together to form S&S Amusements, broadening the game operation into amusement rides as well.
Today, the show has a large inventory of rides including a new one added this year, the A.R.M. Vertigo. The show plays from April until October.
Swika Jr. was a member and past president of the Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association and served on the board of directors of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association. Swika also was a member of the Showmen’s League of America, the New York Association of Agricultural Fairs, the International Independent Showmen’s Association and was a NARSO and Pennsylvania ride inspector.
He was a member of Washington Lodge 265, Free and Accepted Masons, Bloomsburg, Pa. and an honorary member of Scott Twp. Hose Company 1.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline (Jackie) Swika, who passed away in 2007. She also was an active member of the industry. She was a member and past president of the Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association and served on the board and as a trustee for both organizations.
Swika Jr. was respected for his knowledge and expertise in the outdoor amusement industry and played a large part in the implementation of the Pennsylvania Ride Safety Act. He was instrumental in the engineering and refurbishing of many rides. He was known for always being there to lend a helping hand, a replacement part or advice to anyone who asked.
Two of his favorite sayings were, “It Is What It Is” and “The Show Must Go On.”
Swika Jr. was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Surviving are a son, Stephen Swika III and wife, Paula, Scott Twp.; three daughters, Cherylann Swika-Post and husband, Michael, Scott Twp.; Saundra Swika-Belcher and husband, David, Scott Twp.; and Valerie Swika, Englewood, Fla.; one stepdaughter, Stephanie Williams and husband, David, Scott Twp.; 11 grandchildren, Adam, Justine, Melissa, Ursula, Alicia, Sabastian, Corey, Tiffany, Evan, Jordan and Emily; three great-grandchildren, Peyton, Bailey and Austin; two brothers, Robert Swika and wife, Mary Helen, Jessup; Richard Swika and wife, Linda, Peckville; and several nieces and nephews.
He also was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Klopher.
Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. or 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Hedley Mason Funeral Home, Peckville, Pa.
Masonic services by the Washington Lodge 265 will be held at 7 p.m.
Funeral services are set to start at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the funeral home, followed by entombment at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Montdale, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 500 S. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18505, or Special Olympics Pennsylvania, 2570 Blvd. of the Generals, Suite 124, Norristown, PA 19403, or Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 5, New Tripoli, PA 18066.
