Obituary of John F Schwakoff Sr

John "Jack" F. Schwakoff Sr., 93, North Cape May, entered into eternal rest Friday, March 24 at his residence with his loving family by his side. Born September 16, 1929, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late George and Beatrice (Fisher) Schwakoff. Jack grew up in Philadelphia and attended South Philadelphia High School. After graduation he joined the United States Army and proudly served during the Korean War. In 1949 he met and fell in love with the beautiful Catherine Gavin; the two married on October 6, 1951. Their nine children were born and raised in Delaware County, PA, where Jack worked for Westinghouse and served as a Union Official. Starting as a seasonal, part time business, Jack opened Shades 'N Things in 1973. In 1975, Jack and Catherine relocated their family to North Cape May, where Jack devoted himself to the business full time. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by the love of his life, and wife of 71 years, Catherine V. (Gavin) Schwakoff (January 26, 2023); son John, Jr. (2021); son-in-law William Martinez; son-in-law John Cummins; and siblings George, Helen Adams, and Raymond. John will forever be missed by his children Margaret Martinez, Karen (Paul), Bernadette (Joseph), Joseph (Marie), Marianne (Paul), Susan, Catherine, and Patricia (Lawrence); 24 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM Friday, March 31 at St. John of God RC Church, North Cape May. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10AM until the time of Mass. Interment with military honors will be held on the grounds of the Cape May County Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memory of John to Melanoma Research, IHO Dr. Tara Mitchell, Penn Medicine Development, 3535 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104; Attn: Karleigh Rose Petitt. Evoy Funeral Home 3218 Bayshore Road North Cape May has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit EvoyFuneralHome.com to share a memory with the Schwakoff family.