John F. Swirbalus

John F. Swirbalus BPD, of Quincy, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He was 80. 

He was born in Boston to Josephine (Ambrose) and Joseph Swirbalus and took great pride in being raised in South Boston. He attended South Boston High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts from Boston State College. After serving in the U.S. Army and achieving the rank of Sergeant E5, John went on to serve his community by working as a Boston Police Officer. He patrolled Roxbury before achieving the rank of Detective in 1983.

John exemplified what it meant to be an upstanding officer. He consistently went above and beyond the call of duty in his many years as an officer and detective. After saving someone’s life he received the Award of Honor from the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association in recognition of his bravery above and beyond the call of duty. He was the recipient of the Award of Merit in 1978, 1983, and 1984 honoring ongoing commitment to the safety of citizens of the City of Boston. In 1982, he was awarded the keys to the Town of Spencer in recognition of exemplary action in apprehending an armed criminal responsible for the deaths of two fellow officers. He was also responsible for founding the Boston Police Athletic League to help facilitate positive interactions between the BPD and the city’s youth. When Raymond Flynn was elected Mayor of the City of Boston, John was assigned as his Head of Security. 

“Many Jobs, One Career, Boston’s Future.” John was a stand-up officer that not only put his life on the line to protect the city he loved so much but also went even further beyond the call of duty to ensure a brighter future for Boston. His devotion is admired by many and will continue to inspire fellow officers for many years to come.

John had an active social life being a proud member of The Elks and The Lithuanian Club. He had a big personality that was known by many and loved by all who knew him. 

Beloved husband of Susan E. (McCann) Swirbalus of Quincy. Devoted father to John W. Swirbalus and his wife Monique of Braintree, and Susan Schutz and her husband Jon of Weymouth. Adoring grandfather to Jake Kaulbfleisch and Jack Swirbalus. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents, Josephine and Joseph Swirbalus, his siblings, Joseph, Robert, Joyce, and Paul Swirbalus.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday 12/30/2024 from 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Tuesday 12/31/2024 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.