Edward J. Szwabowski

Edward Julius Szwabowski, a Redlands resident celebrated for his successful professional career in the field of Aeronautical Engineering, passed away on January 6th, 2024, at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter-in-law, Marjorie Szwabowski.

Edward was born on December 10, 1932, to Julius Stanley Szwabowski and Ludwika (Leslie) Polak, both from Polish heritage, in Harvey, Illinois. He grew up in Blue Island, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.

In 1951, as a new high school graduate and amid the Korean War, he proudly enlisted in the Air Force, serving his beloved country as an airplane mechanic overseas in Europe. During his four-year tour, he performed and oversaw the maintenance of numerous aircraft including his favorite, the C-47, ensuring the battle readiness of his bomber squadron. This pivotal experience re-enforced the foundation of his lifelong vocation and deep passion for airplanes.

On June 4th, 1961, he earned a degree of Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. His career encompassed an impressive 50-year journey, leading him to various states including Washington, and Louisiana before finally settling in California where he lived for 60 years. Among his many professional contributions, he was instrumental in the design of the Saturn V rocket which carried Neal Armstrong to the moon in 1969.

Edward loved traveling. He visited his wife's country of origin Bolivia in South America, as well as Poland - the country of his ancestors, and his favorite European country - France, which he visited numerous times. He also enjoyed building model airplanes which he started at a very young age in the basement of his parent's home in Blue Island, a pastime that lasted until his whole life. He spent much of his free time enthusiastically watching baseball and football. His favorite baseball team was the Anaheim Angels and his unwavering loyalty as a native Chicagoan belonged to "Da Chicago Bears."

Papa, as he was affectionately known by his children, was a good man, a patriot, a giver, a hardworking provider, and a loving husband and father. Guided by Christian principles, he served as an admirable example for his children, living a life of kindness, integrity, and compassion.

Edward is survived by his wife of 35 years, Beatriz Szwabowski; six children: Bernadette Harding, Elizabeth Ann Szwabowski, Dean Szwabowski, Christine Jackson, Eddie Szwabowski, and Manasseh Julius Szwabowski; daughters in-law: Suzanne Szwabowski and Barbara Szwabowski; sons in-law: Steven Harding, Rick Alston, and Bryant Jackson; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother: Ray Szwabowski; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. A viewing will take place on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be the following day on Tuesday, January 23 at 9:00 am. Both will take place at the Emmerson-Barlett Memorial Chapel located at 703 Brookside Ave. in Redlands. The interment will take place at the Riverside National Cemetery at 11:30 am followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 pm at The River Christian Reformed Church located at 459 E. Highland Ave. in Redlands.