Nancy Lucille Szwech

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life filled with love that the family of Nancy Szwech shares the news of her peaceful passing on October 23, 2024, at the age of 90. The daughter of Gaetano (Thomas) Imbrosciano and Rosaria (Sally) Vernuccio, Nancy is survived by her four children: Diane (David) Van Grouw, Stephen (Donna) Szwech, Susan Sobbott, and Thomas (Kim) Szwech. Her grandchildren—Jeffrey, Scott, Kevin Garino, Lauren Mulryan, Karen Fredericks, Stephen Szwech, Jeremiah and Leah Druckenmiller, and Samuel Szwech—as well as her great-grandchildren, Theo and Bennet Fredericks, and Hannah and Harrison Mulryan, will forever cherish their "Nana." Nancy was also the beloved “Aunt Nan” to many nieces and nephews who cherished her affection. From the warmth of her embrace to the endless treasures hidden in her purse, her loving presence made every milestone, big or small, feel special. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 66 years, Stephen H. Szwech, and her beloved granddaughter, Alyson Garino.

The daughter of Italian immigrants who came to New York City, Annunziata Lucilla (Nancy), was raised in a large Catholic family. She was the younger sister to her three overprotective brothers, Vincent (Sonny), Emmanuel (Matty), and Thomas (Tommy), and a loyal and dutiful “big sister” to her cousins, Sandra (Alex) Myles and Carol Vernuccio Weitz. Nancy learned that family came before everything. She honed her cooking skills as an attentive apprentice to her mother, preparing large family meals served at an oversubscribed table filled with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who regularly visited the famously welcoming, generous Imbroscianos.

As a child, she shared a small apartment with her extended family and played on the roof of their Lower East Side building, which served as their personal playground and the backdrop for family memories. Trips to Coney Island or fishing adventures provided much-needed escapes from the city heat.

After graduating from Washington Irving High School, she landed her first job at Bankers Trust as a bookkeeper. While raising their four children, Nancy helped with bookkeeping at Same Day Delivery Service, the trucking company her husband founded in 1971 when they first arrived in Westwood. After her three older children were grown, she returned to a full-time career as an HR benefits professional, always offering a kind, helping hand to anyone in need.

As elegant as Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy met Steve Szwech, a blond, blue-eyed, gregarious Polish boy, at a friend’s wedding. From their first dance to their last, they continued to charm their families with their magical polkas. Nancy became as expert in preparing her mother-in-law's favorite Polish dishes as she was with Italian, making her home a magnet for family gatherings and celebrations. Nancy and Steve’s deep connection and enduring commitment carried them through 66 years of marriage, during which they remained devoted to each other and to the family they built together.

Nancy’s greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved teaching each new mom how to care for their newborns, serving as both a role model and player-coach for the nurturing mothers they became. “Nana’s house” was a favorite destination, filled with love and cherished memories. She loved celebrating every milestone, and was a regular fan at football, softball, field hockey, basketball, baseball, and soccer games, as well as dance recitals, plays, concerts, and countless graduations, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, and weddings.

Nancy’s heart swelled with pride at the accomplishments of her family, particularly in the decisions several of her grandchildren made to pursue careers in public service through law enforcement and the military.

Her deep love shone through every gesture, and her boundless willingness to help touched all who knew her, particularly seen in the tender care she gave her husband during his later battle with Parkinson’s disease. Nancy’s actions spoke louder than words, always providing comfort and love to the large family to which she dedicated her life, and who carry on her legacy of love.

The family will receive their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ on Sunday, October 27 from 1-5PM. The Funeral Mass celebrating Nancy’s life and faith will be held at Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church, 2 Fremont Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ on Monday, October 28 at 11:00AM. Burial will be private at a later date.

in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

St. Jude Research Children’s Hospital or

Oasis- A Haven for Women and Children.

Below is the link for the Funeral Mass Livestream, please note the livestream will start a few minutes before the Mass at 11:00 am

https://www.urolm.org/live-stream

The family requests your presence at a repast, following mass, at Savini Restaurant, 168 West Allendale Avenue, Allendale, NJ 07401, 201-760-3700.

________________________________________