John F. Schweiker | Governor's father, 84

John Frederick Schweiker, 84, a retired sales executive and father of former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, died of complications from an infection Friday, Jan. 7, at St. Joseph's Manor in Meadowbrook.

For 40 years, Mr. Schweiker was a sales representative and executive for William H. Sadlier Inc., an educational publishing company in New York City. He retired at 70 in 1996.

Mr. Schweiker grew up in Kensington and graduated from North Catholic High School. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Force as a tail gunner on B-29s in the South Pacific.

Though he was only 18, he knew he was responsible for the protection of the crew, his son Mark said. "His sense of duty was born of his wartime experience and pushed him to great personal and professional success," his son said.

After his discharge, he earned a bachelor's degree from La Salle College.

He and his wife, Mary, raised six children in Bucks County. They later divorced.

Mr. Schweiker was a fan of Big Five basketball, especially the La Salle Explorers.

His family said he was respected for his professional accomplishments, wit, and humor, and was never accused of taking life or himself too seriously.

In addition to his son, who was governor from 2001 to 2003, Mr. Schweiker is survived by sons John, Gregory, and Stephen; daughters Mary and Karen; 11 grandchildren; his former wife; and his longtime companion, Rose Irwin.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 105 Old Soldiers Rd., Cheltenham. Friends may call from 9. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, Fla. 32256.