Christopher Joseph Michael "Swagg" Swider

Christopher Joseph Michael “Swagg” Swider, age 17, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Born in New Hartford on November 25, 1992, Christopher is the son of Joseph and Helen Swider. Raised and educated locally, he was currently a senior at T. R. Proctor High School. Upon his graduation with the class of 2010 he planned to attend Herkimer County Community College where he had been accepted in the Criminal Justice program of study. “Swagg” was a fun-loving, lovable, personable teenager with a positive attitude. He was meticulous in his appearance, and his attire was contemporary and well-selected. He knew how to be a good friend and he strove for harmony among individuals. A young man who knew no prejudice, he was blessed with a diversified group of his peers and adored by a “million friends” --- a combination of his best close friends, and acquaintances he held close. He was a confidant and one who took on the worries of those he loved. Although his years on this earth were cut short, he was a beautiful soul, lived a full and happy life, and will be forever remembered by those who were lucky enough to have known and loved him. He was comfortable at a computer and texting, listened to a variety of musical genres, and liked the challenge of Xbox games. He followed sports, especially the N.Y. Yankees, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and professional wrestling. He was physically fit and trained at weight lifting at the Fitness Mill and Planet Fitness. His favorite television show was SpongeBob SquarePants. Christopher was a communicant of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where he also received his Sacraments. Christopher is survived by his parents, Joseph and Helen, who were very important people in his life; his step-sisters, Regina and Jeff King, and Roxanne Swider; his step-brother, Dr. Joseph Swider, Jr., PhD.; his niece, Ava Grace; aunts and uncles, including Alex H. and Norma Jones, Carol Taurisano, Patricia Siuta, and Bertha and Walt Marcinkiewicz; cousins; and longtime friends, Alphonse “Fonzi” Napoli, and Dejan. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Charlotte and William S. Jones III; paternal grandparents, Joseph, Sr. and Rose Swider; aunt, Josephine Williams; and uncle, Michael Taurisano. The family is grateful to Dr. Clifford Soults, the St. Elizabeth Medical Center ER staff and ICU personnel, especially nurse Michael for their care and compassion; the Utica City School District Counseling Staff, and the many friends, parents, and close extended family for their support and kindness during this most difficult time. Visitation will be hosted on Friday from 3:00-7:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St., Utica. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Christopher’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Stanislaus Cemetery at the convenience of the family. For any of Christopher’s classmates or friends in need of support, please contact the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. (315) 724-6714.

Christopher Joseph Michael "Swagg" Swider

November 25, 1992 - May 25, 2010