Frank N. Swolkin

CHARLESTON, IL – Frank N. Swolkin, age 96 of Charleston, Illinois, passed into eternal life on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at his Villas of Hollybrook home.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 in Moriarty Hall at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 921 Madison Avenue in Charleston.  The Funeral Mass honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Braden Maher presiding.  A military service will be held following the Funeral Mass and burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Charitable gifts in his honor may be made to the Charleston American Legion Post #93 and mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920.

Frank was born June 6, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois.  Much of Frank’s childhood was spent in an orphanage following the death of his parents.  After graduating from St. Patrick’s High School, Frank enlisted with the United States Army in 1942 and spent the next 4 years honorably serving his country with the Army Air Force during WWII.  He later attended Washington State University and Loyola University before serving as an officer for the City of Chicago Police Department. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant after 25 years on the force.

Frank married Joanne Babb on August 25, 1973 in Tinley Park, Illinois and she survives.  Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Rosemary Hill of Charleston and Nell Moore of Redding, California; his cousin, Paul (Eve) Sumsky of Ten Strike, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews and their families including Roxy (Keith) Graham, Rick Sidell, Bonny Kienitz and Nancy Hunter; and two godchildren.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Stephanie Brankovich and a brother, Walter Swolkin.

Frank was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston, the Illinois Police Association, Charleston American Legion Post #93, and the Charleston Elks Club B.P.O.E. #623.  He enjoyed relaxing with a good book or with rod and reel in hand at a favorite fishing hole.  Frank also enjoyed collecting cameras and traveling with Joanne and friends in their motor home.

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