(A Life Lived In Music & Language)
Matthew Joseph Swora, age 90, of Liberty Center, Ohio, peacefully passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.
He was born Oct. 14, 1935, in Eijsden, Belgium, to Mathias Swora and Helen (Homich) Swora. Following his family’s immigration to the United States, Matthew graduated from Meriden High School in Connecticut.
He went on to pursue his passion for education and music, earning his Bachelor of Music from Boston University and later a master’s degree in administration from the University of Toledo. On June 11, 1972, Matthew married Arlene Widman, and together they shared 53 loving years of marriage.
Matthew’s lifelong love of music was evident in all he did. He performed with numerous musical groups, including the Kansas City Symphony, the sousaphone in the Kansas City Chiefs Marching Band, the Johnny Knorr Orchestra in Toledo, and as a bass player with both the Adrian Symphony Orchestra and the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to performing, he was dedicated to teaching, providing bass lessons to students and mentoring countless young musicians. Matthew devoted over 30 years as an orchestra and band instructor at Jones Junior High School in Toledo, where he left a lasting impression on generations of students through his passion, patience, and encouragement.
A gifted linguist, Matthew spoke five languages: French, German, Polish, Czech, and Flemish. Outside of music, he enjoyed tending to projects around his 10-acre home, as well as reading and watching science fiction.
He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Swora; children, Mathew (Becky) Swora of Pittsboro, North Carolina, Kimberly (Ed) Beck of Bellevue, Ohio, Maria Swora of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Josef (Becky) Swora of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Nicole (Shannon) Perry, Claire (Jamie) Swora, Emily (Nick) Tiberi, Trevor Beck, and Aaron Beck; great-grandchildren, Killian Perry and Grayson Perry; sister, Anna Dixson of Coral Gables, Florida; and cousin, Greti (Francis) Swora.
In honoring Matthew’s wishes, there will be no public services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 State Highway 109, Delta, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local school music program in Matthew’s memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.