Thomas Swiat

Thomas Leo Swiat passed away peacefully at home Tuesday April, 23, 2019. Born June 13, 1925 to Leo A. Swiat and Marie (Holy) Swiat, in Kalamazoo, Michigan on his mother's birthday. Tom attended Parkwood School and St. Augustine as a youngster. Tom felt the call during WWII like many of his generation and proudly served in the Army Air Corp, as a bombardier. He wore his prized bombardier ring faithfully till the final calling. Tom carried on the legacy of the family run business, Olmsted and Mulhull, established in 1920, as President and owner retiring in 2013 at the age of 88 years and one month. Over those years of financial guidance and service, he was devoted to helping people successfully navigate through their working lives and into retirement. Community, faith and family were Tom's driving principles. He took pride in his hometown, where he was deeply involved with Community Chest (now United Way), Borgess Hospital, the YMCA, and other charitable organizations. Tom was devoted to the Catholic Church and Dioceses, he worked diligently on the campaign to erect St. Monica Church and served in many capacities to build the parish and schools. He served as president and board member for Catholic Social Services and the Michigan Catholic Conference. Tom was infectious in his love for the game of golf. He loved to pass on that enthusiasm and taught his wife and family to play the game. That gave him great pleasure and if he saw you on practice range and thought he could help...he was always ready with a tip or two! Tom married Jetta (Finch) Swiat in June of 1947. Together they raised a family of four. They were married 68 years until her passing in 2015. From the first tee, true love gripped their hearts and endured, now, they will be rounding the turn at nine together. Tom was educated starting at Kalamazoo College and earned a BA in Economics from Western Michigan University in 1949. While a student he was co-captain and part of the golf team. He pursued his passion for golf, platform tennis, and sports the rest his life. Tom built his cherished home in 1967 and able to live there through his final day! That simple pleasure tickled his heart. Cared for by his son David, family and "Team Tom" a shared bond brought love, laughter, salutes and smiles. Mr. Swiat is survived by his children, Tom Jr (Priscilla), Kathleen (Bill) Howard, Ann Gibbons and David Swiat; Granddaughter Aaron (Dan) Sampson; Great-grandchildren Caroline Marie, Jack Edward, Nathalie Francis; His brother Leo A. (DeVon) Swiat; And many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife Jetta Finch Swiat, his parents Leo & Marie and his brothers Richard & baby Leo. Visitation will be held Monday, April 29th from 6-8pm at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49008. Mass will be held on Tuesday April 30th at 10:30am at St. Monica Parish, 534 W. Kilgore, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 2003 Mt. Olivet Road, Kalamazoo MI 49004. Military Honors provided by Otsego VFW Post 3030.Family will receive guests for an open house style luncheon at the house following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ministry With Community, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Glen C. Smith/KCC Caddie Scholarship Fund (payable to Kalamazoo Community Foundation with the memo notation reading "KCC Caddie Scholarship Fund in memory of Thomas L Swiat").