Thomas G. Swales, Jr.

Thomas G. Swales, Jr., 89, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Lucas) Swales. They were married on December 20, 1969, and shared 56 wonderful years together.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on April 29, 1936, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas G. Swales, Sr. and Eleanor (Lindsey). Thomas received his Bachelors degree from Swarthmore College in Civil Engineering, as well as his Master's degree from RPI in Applied Mechanics. He began his own company, Swales Aerospace, in 1978, with his partners, Ron Luzier, and Tom Wilson. At Swales, the Company offered a full range of aerospace engineering services, primarily for NASA. They also contributed to the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors and going for walks and hikes with Barbara. He spent many summers at his home in Avalon, N.J. There, he enjoyed beach activities and Kohlers donuts. He also enjoyed doing puzzles and watching sports.

In addition to Barbara, Thomas is survived by his children: Justine Hein (Michael), Stephen Swales (Jennifer), Pamela Butziger (Peter), Larissa Modesitt (Brian), Carrie Wolf (Joseph), and Tasha Newill (Ryan); 16 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Louise Tiffany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thomas's honor to the Salvation Army at https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve Thomas's family. Online condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.