Masuko Harada was born in Hiroshima, Japan. The Harada family traces back to the era of the Samurai, always as residents of Hiroshima. The oldest hospital in the city is named after her family.
Sadly, Masuko lost her parents in the atomic bomb that was dropped on their city. Fortunately, the Japanese children were kept in the countryside outside of Hiroshima proper, so they were spared.
A couple of decades later a young Marine was sent to the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan, in the suburbs of Hiroshima. It wasn’t long before fate brought them together. After a period of courtship, Masuko became the wife of Captain Robert Swick. That was fifty-four years ago.
Masuko’s sense of adventure was fully captured as she relinquished her own culture to come to the United States: a change of language, customs, traditions; a separation of family and friends all to start a new chapter in life. And so, it began!
After fifteen years another miracle/milestone evolved with the birth of Masuko and Bob’s adopted daughter, Mika Christina. And, darling daughter was born on their wedding anniversary! (During Mika’s “adventurous” periods growing up, we would comment to her friends,
“We enjoyed 15 years of bliss – – and then we had Mika.)
Masuko gave of herself throughout life, quietly, not seeking recognition. She had a presence of grace and gentleness; and always seemed to leave a lasting impression.
And she has!
May you rest in God’s Eternal Peace beloved wife and mother.
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family. May your beloved wife and mother rest in peace in God’s tender care.
Robert and Maria Arroyo and Lily Ferrer
Dearest Fr. Bob and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Masuko, but I heard how wonderful she was. She is now with God … may she rest in peace
Father Bob,
Your friends grieve with you at the loss of Masuko. We have all watched you sacrificially care for her. You have been a great example of a godly husband. Blessings to you as you go on without her. But you will be reunited one day!
Jim Rudolph
Father Bob, We are all so sorry for your loss of Masuko. You are so special to us and know that we are surrounding you and Mika with love and prayers. I’m so grateful to know that we will be together with our loved ones that are in heaven. Lifting you up, Pam Amos
Father Bob my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Your friends are standing shoulder to shoulder with you during this very sad time. Allow us to minister unto you as you have done for us so freely and with such great concern and love.
Fr. Bob, My deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your beautiful wife. May she rest in peace and light and may you find comfort in those 54 years of memories you made together.
My dear friend, Bob. You have been on my mind a lot, the last few days especially. My heart is breaking for you. Masuko was a special lady and she will be missed. I hope you know how many people are praying for you. And I can’t help but think of all of those who were waiting to welcome her home. I love you, my friend, always.
Father Swick we are all grieving with you during this time. There are no words to articulate the sorrow that I feel for you at this time. You are an incredible and amazing priest and we are all so fortunate to know you.
Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
the soul of Thy servant Masuko Harada Swick,
from every bond of sin,
that being raised in the glory of the resurrection,
he may be refreshed among the Saints and Elect.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Fr Bob, please except my condolences . Matsumoto was a beautiful, humble soul. Eternal be her memory🙏 All my love to you. Daphni
Father Bob,
I am so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. You will continue to be in my prayers.
Melanie
Dear Father Bob,
I share your sorrow. Memories are so precious, keep them ever present. You comforted me when you told me have faith, strength and courage; now I will ask the same of you. God bless you, keep you safe so you can continue his work with love and peace. Phil and Masuko are surely enjoying each other’s company. Your Ohio friend. Dorothy Ward
My heart and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.i didn’t know your beautiful wife Masuko, but iam sure if you married her she must have been a wonderful woman. Someday, you will be together again . she is watching over you now and forever..Pat Donati
Bob, You and Mika have our most sincere condolences. Masuko was such a very special lady. She blessed you with 54 years and blessed all of us who knew her from the minute we met her. I know you are a very strong individual and the good Lord is giving you another challenge, which I know you can handle. Know that I am here for you as you were for me in the past. Masuko as well as you and Mika are in our prayers. Always remember, you have many friends and we are all here to support you.
John Coyne & Julie Scales
I am so sorry for your loss! Masuko was such a beautiful, loving, caring woman!! My 2nd mom when I moved to Florida!! Father Bob, Mika and Justin….. I send all my love and healing wishes to you during this difficult time!
Mary and I were so sorry to hear of Masuko’s passing. She is now without pain and at rest and peace with the lord. Although we only met her in passing we are sure we would have liked her as much as we like and admire you — Father Bob. Our family is so grateful to you for your prayers and help during Bob’s Covid illness and feel that you were a major reason why Bob recovered. We will always be thankful to you for your caring ways during our time of need. We will continue to pray for Masuko and yourself.
Take care
Your neighbors Bob & Mary Lega
We know you…you will tough it through, but be aware, we are always there if you need us. Everyone at Regency Oaks offers our deep sympathy and looks forward to the time we can have Mass again.
Walter and Johanna Guzik
My condolences and prayers to an old friend, Father Bob. Praying for your peace and comfort in this sad time.
1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
Harry Gross
Father Bob,
I remember Masuko very well and and sorry to hear of her passing. You were a lucky man to have her in your life. But I suppose we have all been lucky to have met her and spent time with her.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Semper Fi
Charlie Blanchard
ps: hard for me to call you Father Bob
FATHER Bob and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved wife and mother. No matter the time nor place nor ailment, I know how painful it is to lose a loved one. You’re strong and your faith is deep and I pray this will sustain you at this difficult time.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Masuko, I felt an immediate affinity with her when I learned of her background from you.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I’m among your many friends who support and admire you.
Sallie Parks
Father Bob
My heart breaks for your loss yet I rejoice in the love that you both shared for so very long. My only regret was never being privledged to meet her in life. You are such a wonderful human and Im confident that she was too. I pray that you find comfort in the memories that you hold dear. These will never fade. And that you are consoled by Gods unswerving love. My prayers to you and your daughter during these trying times. Sorry I wasnt able to make it today but you have certainly been in my thoughts all day. Hugs.
Father Bob,
I’m so sorry to hear about your wife’s passing.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your lovely wife. She was never without a smile. God bless you and bring you comfort.
Father Bob,
Your love for Masuko was so evident in the way you cared for her, spoke of her, and always put her first. May God bring you comfort in the 54 years of beautiful memories you shared in the journey you are now on. Our family loves you and we are always here for you!!
We are so sorry for your loss, Bob. Words cannot express the emptiness and loss that you feel. God will help you and comfort you as only He can. Love is eternal – may her memory be eternal!