Rick Swendroski

Richard Michael Swendroski was an entertainer at heart. Known for his readiness to crack a joke or embellish a story, he rarely went anywhere without making a friend and always left smiles behind. He was also kindhearted and liked helping people when he could. He was especially proud of his son Alex and always wanted to be there for him.

The 1960s was a decade of remarkable developments as well as devastating change. The nation was rocked by Martin Luther King’s inspiring “I Have a Dream” speech and his heart wrenching murder. John F. Kennedy’s vision of a U.S. astronaut on the moon came to fruition, but not until several years after JFK’s assassination. For many, life at times felt unstable and on the verge of chaos, but on March 31, 1963, Richard and Virginia (Gemmill) Swendroski of Grand Rapids, Michigan, set all of that aside, and for a moment, the only thing that mattered was the birth of their baby boy, Rick. The couple worked hard to provide for him and his four siblings; Richard at the Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company, and Virginia in maintenance at The Grand Rapids Press.

Growing up on Park Street in Grand Rapids, Rick was soon toddling after his three big sisters, Therese, Cindy, and Debby. Later his little brother Tony was the one following him around, trying to keep up while Rick rode his bike around their Polish neighborhood and played with toy cars and trucks, Rick’s favorite being his toy Winnebago. Rick spent much of his spare time taking good care of his pet parakeets. Rick and the other kids often played at John Ball Park, and as the joker of the family he liked to annoy everyone. Rick and Tony always looked forward to their annual trip to a Detroit Tigers game with their dad.

Rick’s family attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, which had been founded by Polish immigrants decades earlier. Rick attended the associated school - now Sacred Heart Academy - for several years and then went on to graduate from Union High School with the Class of 1981. After high school, Rick joined the Army. He served in motor transportation at Fort Knox from 1982 until he was honorably discharged in 1986.

That year was one of great joy and pain for Rick. He was delighted to become a father for the first time, but sadly Little Ricky was born with a heart defect. Rick lost his son at just nine days old in Ann Arbor, a grief that time would never completely heal. To his joy, Rick was gifted another child a few years later, his precious son Alex. Rick became a single parent when Alex was eight years old, and he considered it a privilege to be there for Alex full-time. He worked hard to provide for Alex, putting in almost thirty years with the Public Works Department of Grand Rapids. He worked in several departments over the years including street maintenance, parking ramps, recycling, utility locator, and snow plowing. In the midst of his busy work schedule, he made sure he was always available when Alex needed him.

Rick loved doing “man stuff” with Alex, hunting at a friend’s property up north, renting a cottage on Brooks Lake, and attending races at Berlin Raceway in Marne and Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. They took a memorable trip to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, a time they looked back on often and fondly.

Rick loved trucks and NASCAR. He also enjoyed sports, especially Michigan teams, cheering on the Tigers and the Lions through their ups and downs. He liked listening to classic rock, Top 40, and older country music. In his free time he was always up for games, referred to by many as the “king” of Bingo and dominoes. He liked hanging out with friends and family, but his most cherished times were the ones he spent with Alex.

Rick struggled with various health issues for some years, and in 2014 he was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Things became increasingly difficult and the last ten years of his life were spent under nursing care. One thing that never changed despite his circumstances was his care for his son.

Rick leaves his loved ones with fond memories of fun times, laughter, and love. Even through the hard times, he always hoped for the best for Alex and wanted nothing more than for him to be healthy and happy. His loss will be deeply felt, but the memory of his love will remain.

Rick died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Virginia (Gemmill) Swendroski; an infant son, Richard Swendroski, Jr.; his sister, Therese Foley; and brother-in-law Paul Zalenski.

He is survived by his son, Alex Swendroski; three siblings, Lucinda Zalenski, Deborah (Daren Brushman) VanDam, and Tony (Vicki) Swendroski; a brother-in-law, Charlie Foley; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Patrick Kelley and Todd Moens. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids. Friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Please visit Rick’s personal webpage at www.heritagelifestory.com where you may view Rick’s Life Story video, share a favorite photo or memory, and sign the online guest book.