Salem…..

Oscar Palmer Swecker, age 89, loving husband for 65 years of Elma Becker Swecker, of Salem, MA and Arundel, ME died Friday, March 25, 2011 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House Danvers, surrounded by his family.

Born in Harrisonburg, VA. the son of the late Charles and Lethia (Kite) Swecker, he was educated in local schools. Mr. Swecker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Maryland 1945 and had also served as Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II. Among his duty assignments, he was stationed with the Marine Mobile Air Instrument Repair Unit in Okinawa, Japan.

Mr. Swecker established, owned and operated the PEK Company in Salem for 50 years where he manufactured pipe fittings and flanges. He was an avid fisherman and equestrian, and also enjoyed traveling. Palmer and Elma's favorite home away from home was Rome, Italy.

He was a long time member of the Episcopal Church having served in the Vestry of St. Michael's Church in Marblehead and more recently was a member of St. Peter's Church in Salem. Past President of the Arundel Beach Club in Maine, he had also served on the Board of Directors for the Brookhouse in Salem.

Mr. Swecker is survived by six children, Karen Bandhauer of North Andover, MA, Margot Heyer and her husband Douglas of Millington, TN, Jeffrey Swecker and his wife Marsha of Bridgton, ME, Eric Swecker and his wife Debbie of Groveland, MA., Christopher Swecker of Clearwater, FL and Tracy Jaeger and her husband Timothy of Alexandria, VA; 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday April 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM in St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 24 St. Peter St., Salem, MA 01970. At the family request there will be no visiting hours. Interment will be private. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675. For online guest book or additional information please call 781 631 8885 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com