John David Swenbeck was born on May 11, 1935.  He passed away on February 10, 2021 in his home with his beloved wife Doric C. Swenbeck by his side. John was a life-long resident of Salem Willows, Salem Massachusetts. He graduated from Salem High School in 1953 and enlisted in the US Naval Reserves where he proudly served as a submarine torpedoman.

John was a master chef.  He worked alongside his parents and siblings at Swenbeck's Park Café in Salem Willows from 1947 to 1962 where he honed his craft as a chef and restaurateur.  John's specialty was fresh local seafood dishes and his fish and clam chowder are legendary.  John's prime rib and turkey dinners remain family favorites.  John served as Executive Chef at the Colonial Hilton in Wakefield MA, until 1983.  In 1978 he had the honor of preparing dinner for then President Jimmy Carter for which he received a personal note of gratitude.  In 1984, John reopened Swenbeck's Park Café in Salem Willows where his children and wife worked by his side.  John finished his career as Chef-manager of the Grand Turk Tavern in Salem, MA again working alongside his family.  John employed many Salem youth who remember him fondly.

John was a family man and he enjoyed skiing, sledding, skating and boating with his children.  He enjoyed the beach and brought his family often to Good Harbor Beach and to Cape Cod for family vacations.

John David Swenbeck was the beloved husband of Doris C. Swenbeck and he was the third son of Herman and Mildred Swenbeck. He was the loving brother of Robert, Paul, Fritz, and Babara Nadeau all who are in heaven.  John graced the earth with his children, Vincent Maria, Valerie Hitunen, John Swenbeck Jr, Kristen Swenbeck-Hamel and Amy Swenbeck-Fedele. His grandchildren adored their Grampy: Christopher Hiltunen , Evan Hiltunen, Anand Fedele, Madeline Rose Hamel, Isabella Fedele, Julian Fedele and great granddaughter Kali Hiltunen.  He lovingly embraced Scott Hitunen, Robert Hamel, Peter Fedele and Kristen Favazzza as sons and daughter.  John's heart was huge, and we are blessed to call him father.

The family is having a private gathering for John.  Gifts in John Swenbeck's memory may be made to the  Northeast Animal Shelter  , 347 Highland Ave,  Salem MA. For more information or online guestbook please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com.