Deacon Edward F. Swartz, 89, died on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Center Line, Michigan.
He was born March 9, 1935 in Detroit to the late Edward and Marcy (Miller) Swartz. He was a lifelong resident of Center Line. He married his St. Clement High School (Class of ’54) sweetheart Mary Lou (Peters) Swartz on Oct. 6, 1955. They were happily married for 53 years. He was the loving Father of Donald (Madeleine) Swartz, James Swartz, Richard (Denise) Swartz, Glenn (Lynn) Swartz, Joan (Adrian) Baranyk, David (Joyce) Swartz, Patti (Dan) Toma and the late Edward Swartz. He was blessed with 22 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Dear Brother of Teresa (Basil) Morgan, Barbara (Matt) Pelish, Tedd (Mary Ellen) Swartz, Ann (Scott) Kuhl and the late Marcella (Ken) Jones, Frank (Marlene) Swartz, Bill (Nancy) Swartz and Marvin (Judy) Swartz.
He practiced as a skilled mason, eventually owning his own company, and retired in 2003.
Edward was ordained a permanent deacon on June 1, 1983, and faithfully served the Catholic community. Deacon Swartz served his first diaconal assignment at St. Clement in Center Line, followed by assignments at St. David of Wales in Detroit, St. Leonard of Port Maurice in Warren, St. Leonard/Ascension in Warren, and St. Clement/St. Teresa of Avila in Center Line/Warren. Deacon Swartz also spent time serving as Cochairman for the Education Committee for the Deacons Assembly. Deacon Swartz retired in 2012.
He was a member of Fr. Kramer Knights of Columbus since Nov. 20, 1955. Deacon Swartz led many prayer groups and Bible studies. He was an avid horseshoes player and enjoyed playing cards with the Center Line senior group, helping at the St. Leonard of Port Maurice Food Pantry and being an active member of America Needs Fatima. He loved spending time and staying connected with his large extended family.
Visitation Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, from 2-8 p.m. at Ford Funeral Home, 26560 Van Dyke (South of 11 Mile Road or the I-696 expressway), Center Line, Michigan, with a 6 p.m. Scripture Service. Instate Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, from 9 a.m. until time of funeral Mass 10 a.m. at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church (St. Clement site), 25320 Van Dyke (north of 10 Mile Road) Center Line, with Bishop Arturo Cepeda and Fr. Robert Bauer presiding. Interment at St. Clement Cemetery, Center Line. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
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