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1938
Peter
2026
Peter William Zwanka Jr.
May 4, 1938 — June 9, 2026
Graniteville
Peter William Zwanka, 88, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Born May 4, 1938, in Mohawk, New York, he was the son of the late Mary Lechmanik and Peter Zwanka.
Peter earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University and joined the US Army in 1961, where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1963. Holding multiple roles with General Electric, Admiral, NCR, and the University of South Carolina, Peter retired in 2001. Peter especially enjoyed playing the piano at the Aiken Senior Life Services Center and was an active deliverer of Meals on Wheels for years, until he then became a recipient of Meals on Wheels. Peaches and an ever-present cup of coffee were his favorites, along with the company of neighbors and very patient delivery drivers.
Peter especially loved amateur radio, where his handles K2HWI and W4MAX followed him throughout his life. Peter had a lifetime subscription to the ARRL magazine QST, and studied amateur radio until his health did not allow it.
Remaining to cherish Peter’s memory are his three sons, in whom he held considerable pride, Merrill, Warren, and Russell Zwanka; seven grandchildren, who also celebrate Peter’s life, Wendy Ewing, Mindy Lambert, Hailey Martin, Kendal Zwanka, Tucker Zwanka, Cooper Zwanka, and Lily Zwanka; his sister, Elaine Haver; and great-aunt, Irene. In addition to his parents, Peter was preceded in death by two of his three sisters, Irene and Carolyn.
Peter was a devoted member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, June 17th, at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, 125 Park Avenue SE, Aiken with inurnment to follow in the Rose Garden Columbarium. A reception will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Mother Teresa Hall. Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Aiken Chapel, is assisting the Zwanka family with arrangements.
Memorial donations in Peter’s memory may be directed to Aiken Senior Life Services, 1310 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803.
Special thanks to Dawn Merck for providing nurturing and care during Peter’s last days.
Peter earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University and joined the US Army in 1961, where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1963. Holding multiple roles with General Electric, Admiral, NCR, and the University of South Carolina, Peter retired in 2001. Peter especially enjoyed playing the piano at the Aiken Senior Life Services Center and was an active deliverer of Meals on Wheels for years, until he then became a recipient of Meals on Wheels. Peaches and an ever-present cup of coffee were his favorites, along with the company of neighbors and very patient delivery drivers.
Peter especially loved amateur radio, where his handles K2HWI and W4MAX followed him throughout his life. Peter had a lifetime subscription to the ARRL magazine QST, and studied amateur radio until his health did not allow it.
Remaining to cherish Peter’s memory are his three sons, in whom he held considerable pride, Merrill, Warren, and Russell Zwanka; seven grandchildren, who also celebrate Peter’s life, Wendy Ewing, Mindy Lambert, Hailey Martin, Kendal Zwanka, Tucker Zwanka, Cooper Zwanka, and Lily Zwanka; his sister, Elaine Haver; and great-aunt, Irene. In addition to his parents, Peter was preceded in death by two of his three sisters, Irene and Carolyn.
Peter was a devoted member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, June 17th, at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, 125 Park Avenue SE, Aiken with inurnment to follow in the Rose Garden Columbarium. A reception will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Mother Teresa Hall. Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Aiken Chapel, is assisting the Zwanka family with arrangements.
Memorial donations in Peter’s memory may be directed to Aiken Senior Life Services, 1310 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803.
Special thanks to Dawn Merck for providing nurturing and care during Peter’s last days.
To send flowers in memory, please visit our flower store.
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