Joseph M. Swiatek, Jr., 67, of Ridgefield, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 in New Milford, CT.
Joe was born in Bridgeport, CT, July 15, 1946, a son of the late Joseph Sr. and Martha Goralski-Swiatek. While growing up in Bridgeport, he attended Woodrow Wilson School and Bullard Havens Technical High School.
In 1965, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam Era, stationed at U-Tapao Air Force Base in Thailand as a Weapons Mechanic. He received his honorable discharge in 1971 and remained in the Bridgeport area until relocating to Ridgefield, where he resided for the last 24 years. Mr. Swiatek spent 35 years in the Data-Communications field as an engineer, and spent the last 28 years working for Datacomm Management Sciences Inc out of Norwalk, CT.
A motorcycle enthusiast for over 40 years, Joe was a proud member of H.O.G (Harley Owners Group) Danbury Chapter, the Patriot Guard and the Royal Order of the South Dakota Buffalo, where he was blessed to find many of his closest friends. In addition, he was also a member of the American Legion and St. John’s Masonic Lodge.
Mr. Swiatek is survived by a daughter, Christine Swiatek and her boyfriend Jonathan Podolak of Monroe, CT; a sister and brother-in-law, Carol Swiatek-Petrino and William Petrino of Beacon Falls, CT; his former wife, Jane Smeriglio-Swiatek of Ridgefield, his nieces Laurie Petrino-Hill of Woodbridge,CT and Leanne Petrino-Hovhannissian of Oxford, CT; his nephew William Petrino Jr. of Easton, CT; several great nieces and nephews and many friends who loved him.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at 11 AM in the Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main St., Ridgefield with the Rev. Dr. William Pfohl, officiating.
Burial will follow in Mapleshade Cemetery, Ridgefield with military honors.
The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 from 6 PM to 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Swiatek’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
—by the family