Paul Szwaja, 82, of Acushnet died Wednesday July 2, 2003 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River after a brief illness. He was the husband of Christina (Curry) Szwaja.

A lifelong resident of Acushnet, he was the son of the late Wojciech and Magdalena (Juras) Szwaja.

He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford.

Mr. Szwaja was formerly employed as a carpenter with the Carpenter's Union until his retirement.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was a recipient of the European Area medal, the American Area medal, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal. He was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School.

Mr. Szwaja was a member of St. Francis Men's Club and former director of Acushnet Credit Union. He was an avid bowler and golfer.

Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Michael B. Szwaja, and his wife Mary, of Cromwell, CT, and Paul J. Szwaja, and his wife Karen, of New Bedford; 2 daughters, Joanne Leshyk, and her husband Wayne, of San Juan Capistrano, CA, and Kathleen Kvilhaug, and her husband Magnar, of Mattapoisett; a sister, Stefania Gauthier of Acushnet; 11 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Mitchell Szwaja, Theodore Szwaja, John Szwaja and Stefan Szwaja.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Monday July 7, 2003 at 7:45AMFuneral Mass at St. Mary's Church, Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford, at 9 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday July 6, 2003 from 5-8 PM. Burial will be in Acushnet Cemetery,