Casmir A. “Bud” Sawka, age 82, passed away peacefully just before the start of summer in 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A man with a vibrant personality and strong presence, Bud embraced life fully and made lasting impressions wherever he went. He was devoted to his family, proud of his community, and happiest when surrounded by the people and places he loved most.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Bud’s early years were shaped by the traditions, music, and close-knit neighborhoods of the city he always carried with him. He graduated from Bishop Neumann High School, Class of 1961. At neighborhood dances, he met Barbara Chew, a St. Maria Goretti girl who lived just a few blocks away. Their relationship grew into a loving marriage that lasted 62 years and became the foundation of a close and devoted family.

Bud and Barbara moved to Oaklyn, New Jersey, where they raised their three sons and became active members of the community. Bud spent 34 years as a data analyst with PECO, providing for his family and forming lifelong friendships with his coworkers. Bud was deeply involved in his sons’ lives, coaching youth sports, volunteering at the swim club, and serving as a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, St. Aloysius Church in Oaklyn.

Bud enjoyed golfing with friends, trips to the casinos, poker games with his sons, traveling, and cruising. Above all, he loved spending summers in Wildwood. Whether fishing, crabbing, just tinkering at the campground, or gathering with friends at the North Wildwood Elks Lodge, where he was a longtime member, Bud truly enjoyed the shore life and the memories he and his family built there over many years.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Barbara (nee Chew) Sawka; his sons, Greg (Karen), Brian (Trish), and Mark(Maria) Sawka; and his cherished grandchildren, Kevin, Eric, Riley, Samantha, Alyssa, Natalie, and Violet. He was predeceased by his sister, Valerie Patterson, and is also survived by his dear niece, Valerie White, and her daughters, Abigail and Ava White, as well as his lifelong friend and “brother”, Charlie Chew, and Charlie’s wife, Joyce.

Bud will be remembered for his outgoing nature, his sense of humor, his generosity, and the love he had for his family and friends. His presence brought energy and warmth to every gathering, and his memory will remain with all who knew and loved him.

Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather with the Sawka family to take comfort in each other, celebrate Bud’s life, and pay tribute to a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather on Friday morning, June 5th, between 9:00 am and 11:00 am at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, St. Aloysius Church, 37 W. Haddon Ave., Oaklyn. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin with family remembrances at 11:00 am. Fr. Walter Norris, offering. A graveside tribute and concluding prayers will immediately follow at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bud’s memory to the American Heart Association by clicking the link below. 

Please share your memories, photos, and stories of Bud with us below

#mcgeecelebration #heartfelt

© 2026 Creran Celebration LLC. All Rights Reserved - Reproduction Strictly Prohibited