John Swiech

John Swiech, 83, of Woonsocket & N. Smithfield, a devout Catholic, departed this world for heaven on May 29, 2018 with his family surrounding him. "What really matters in life is that we are loved by Christ and that we love Him in return" - Pope John Paul II

Born in Woonsocket in Sept. 1934 he was the youngest of 7 children born to the late Aniela (Krawczyk) and Jan Swiech.  John excelled in athletics during school, playing football, basketball, hockey and baseball through the years.  His love was baseball and he won All-State Honors in 1952, his senior year, as catcher with the State Champion Villa Novans.  He was inducted in to the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

He began playing minor league ball after graduating.  In 1953, he signed with the Chicago Cubs and played in the minor leagues until he was drafted in to the Army in Nov. 1957 and continued after his release from active duty in Nov. 1959.

During his service, he was stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.  While there he met and married Mary Edwards of Tennessee.  They had two daughters, Brenda Ann and Diana Jo.  In 1961 he ended his sports career to be home with his family.

After baseball, he became an avid golfer.  He played in many club and city championships and attempted to make the senior tour for a few years.  Golf remained his passion throughout his life and at one time he held a 1 handicap.

He was a life long member of the YMCA.

John worked at Quincy Dye Works, Marblecraft and then with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1987.

In 1995, he married Patricia (Caduette) and they enjoyed 7 years together until she passed away in 2002.

He moved to Orlando in Dec. 2016 to be close to his family.

He is survived by his daughters  Brenda Swiech (Mike Griffin), Diana Treese (Wayne), his granddaughter Sarah Roberts Treese and his great grandchildren Taylor Jo & Jackson Treese Roberts and several nieces and nephews and their families.  He is also survived by his first wife Mary Morris and his sister-in-law Claudette (Tetrault) Swiech.

He was predeceased by his parents, his 2 brothers and their spouses: Louis (Vic) & Hazel, Steve & Dora and his brother Henry.  Also his sisters & their spouses: Louise & Joe Kwaitkowski, Sophie & Leo Renaud  and Constance & Steve Rajotte and as well as his niece Joann (Kwaitkowski) Meehan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the YMCA at www.ymcapawtucket.org

Relatives & friends are invited to visitation hours on Monday,  June 4th, from 5:00 to 6:30 P.M. followed by a prayer service at 6:30P.M. at the Kubaska Funeral Home, 33 Harris Ave. Woonsocket. His Funeral will be Tuesday June 5th , starting at 10:30A.M. from the Funeral Home and then proceed to St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Blackstone, Ma. Kubaskafuneralhome.com.

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