Leo Ralph Swett

Leo Ralph Swett, 88, from Waukegan, IL passed away at Vista East Medical Center on December 28, 2011. He was born June 30, 1923 in Kewanee, Illinois to Ralph and Clara (Engel) Swett. Leo attended St. Anastasia Church and was a member of the St. Anastasia Men's club and Soup Kitchen Committee. He was also on the Bingo and Finance Committees. Leo was a former president of the Waukegan Public Library Foundation and also a former president of the Friends of the Waukegan Public Library. He was employed at Abbott Laboratories for 36 years as a research chemist and was a member of the American Chemical Society. As a chemist, he was the holder of many patents and authored articles in a variety of chemical journals. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa and received a master's degree from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. Leo is survived by 2 daughters, Kathleen Swett and Marcia (David) Baranow; grandchildren, Courtney and Ashley; sister, Jeanne (Eugene) Rose and brother Ralph (Eileen) Swett and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol P. Swett, 2 sisters, Lucille Sturm and Marian Gilfillan and one brother, Thomas Swett . A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 624 Douglas Ave. Waukegan, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anastasia School or the Friends of the Waukegan Public Library.