Joseph W. Schwanda

Joseph W. Schwanda, age 98, of Cherry Hill, NJ formerly of Moorestown, NJ, Lavallette, NJ and Ft. Myers, FL passed away peacefully on May 15, 2021 at his residence surrounded by family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Virginia “Ginnie” (Collar) Schwanda. Born in Stafford Springs, CT, in 1922, he was the youngest of 3 children of the late Joseph and Rose (Stehlik) Schwanda. Joe was raised in Stafford Springs, CT, where his family owned and operated the B. Schwanda & Sons Button manufacturing business originally founded in 1894 by his grandfather in New York City. Joe graduated from Mount Hermon School where he became class president and was an accomplished athlete in soccer, ice hockey and lacrosse. He was a proud Naval Officer serving his country in the United States Navy during WW II. He attended Brown University and Harvard Business School. He worked at Schwanda & Sons Button Company after the war, before joining Pepperidge Farm where he worked for many years. He retired from Campbell Soup Company where he was the Director of Procurement. Joe enjoyed socializing with friends and visiting with his family. He was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge, golf, fishing and gardening. Shagging golf balls was one of Joe’s favorite pastimes, especially those found near ponds frequented by gators. Joe is survived by his children William Schwanda and his wife Margaret of NJ, Thomas Schwanda of FL, Doug Wright and his wife Sandi of NJ; Joann Durham and her husband John of NJ and MaryAnn Schwanda and her husband Glenn Sutton of ME. His grandchildren include Rob Durham (wife Tricia) of CA, Trevor Durham of NJ, Maggie Schwanda of NJ, Carol Schwanda of NJ, Bill Schwanda (wife Jacklyn) of NJ, Casey France (husband Josh) of NE and Jack Sutton of ME. Great grandchildren include Fiona Durham of CA and Thea Schwanda of NJ. He is also survived and will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Evelyn DalPian and Georgia Jacobson. Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donation to: Samaritan Hospice, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425 would be greatly appreciated.