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RIDGEFIELD, Conn. - Joseph M. Swiatek, Jr. of Ridgefield died Tuesday, Aug. 20. He was 67.
Swiatek was born July 15, 1948, in Bridgeport, son of Joseph Sr. and Martha Goralski-Swiatek. He grew up in Bridgeport and attended Woodrow Wilson School and Bullard Havens Technical High School. In 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam Era, stationed at U-Tapao Air Force Base in Thailand as a weapons mechanic. After his discharge in 1971 he remained in the Bridgeport area until relocating to Ridgefield, where he resided for the last 24 years. He spent 35 years in the data communications field as an engineer, and spent the last 28 years working for Datacomm Management Sciences Inc. in Norwalk.
A motorcycle enthusiast for over 40 years, he was a member of H.O.G (Harley Owners Group) Danbury Chapter, the Patriot Guard and the Royal Order of the South Dakota Buffalo. He was also a member of the American Legion and St. John’s Masonic Lodge.
Swiatek is survived by a daughter, Christine Swiatek and her boyfriend, Jonathan Podolak of Monroe; sister, Carol Swiatek-Petrino (William) of Beacon Falls; former wife, Jane Smeriglio-Swiatek of Ridgefield; nieces and a nephew; several great nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Calling hours are Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. 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.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Swiatek’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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