Thursday, September 26, 2019
Dear Paul and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a very good man and friend. A group of us stayed in contact through the years and at each gathering smiles and stories were as familiar as they were at St. John’s and Walsh High. We could always count on John in the most challenging football games to come into the huddle as our long snapper and give a grin and worry of encouragement that we’d prevail.
This very week last year I had the privilege of traveling from Atlanta to meet John for a fishing trip to the Salmon River in Pulaski NY. I’ll not ever forget that time together. Our last outing with the group was last November when the gang traveled to New York and Yankee Stadium for the Notre Dame vs. Syracuse game. Friendship, stories, laughs and big steaks were relished by all of us. John was special and lit up not only a room but the whole affair! We are all better people having had his influence great or small in our lives.
Needless to say, we are grateful and honor him for his bravery in serving our country in Vietnam. May God watch over him now and may he Rest In Peace.
While I’m not able to make the trip north tomorrow to join you, know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for all you’ve done for your dear brother.
Godspeed,
Jim Swartz
Atlanta, GA
