Richard W. Suwarsky
September 10, 1966 – August 18, 2024
A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Carriage Barn of Drake Farmstead Park, 927 N. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo. An opportunity to share remembrances of Rick will take place at 3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 57, of Lawton, passed away on Sunday evening, August 18, 2024. Rick was born in Watervliet, MI, on September 10, 1966, to John and George Anne (Suwarsky) Sternaman. When Rick was very young his mother tragically died. He was adopted by his grandparents, Walter and Jean Suwarsky, who gave him a loving home. He also had many other special people in his life who provided him with parental guidance and love, including aunts, Bonnie Suwarsky Wolf and Connie Suwarsky Tary, David and Helga Brayton, and especially Gordon and Jean Kern and the members of their family who were very special to him. With each transition he gained cherished extended family members and people who impacted his life. On June 29, 1991, he married Tamara Kissane who survives him. Rick and Tami had met at Nazareth College in 1985. They were blessed with twins in 1995. Rick’s family was the center of his life. He worked for many years as an Ordinance Enforcement officer for Oshtemo Township and had also been employed by the City of Kalamazoo in community development. He was also a licensed builder. Rick was a beloved coach for Mattawan Little League and several travel ball organizations. Rick coached various softball and baseball teams from 2000 to 2017 while his children were playing. He was an active member on the Board of Directors for Mattawan Little League. Rick loved nature, especially Acadia National Park in Maine. He loved kayaking. Rick had an affection and appreciation for music of all genres. He was a generous soul. No one was ever a stranger to him. To know him, was to love him. He had a special place in his heart for people in need. Besides his wife, Rick is survived by his children, Kevin Suwarsky and Kara Suwarsky; father-in-law, Thomas Kissane; sisters-in-law, Michelle Antinarelli, and Holli Kissane; nieces and nephews; and countless friends, including Rod Rought; and his four-legged Siberian Husky pals, Oakley and Jasmine. Rick was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Joyce Kissane; and special friends, Ed Brayton, Louis Johnson and Brian Kloth.
I am so saddened by Rick\’s passing. I first met Rick about 11 years ago when we both started working for Oshtemo Township. We quickly became friends, shared thoughts and loves of music, ideals, life & philosophy & whatnot. We helped each other with different things in our perspective jobs and enjoyed working together. I even worked with his son Kevin for a while when he was my seasonal helper in the Maintenance Dept. at the Township. They both made me feel like family, and along with Rick\’s wife Tammy, they made me feel welcomed in their home. Rick & I both so loved good conversation and could talk about many subjects for hours it seemed. He was a such a great guy, a caring, and loving true friend. I will greatly miss him and probably never be able to find another friend like him. Rick, love you brother, rest in peace. My prayers, love and sincere condolences go out to Rick\’s entire family.
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I worked with Rick at the City of Kalamazoo and he was such a pleasure to work with. I was not in the same office, but we dealt with each other quite often. We challenged each other once in a while about music from the 80’s, a true test to my brain at times. His smile and cheery disposition was contagious I know all will miss him. May eternal light shine upon you.
Tami, Kevin, Kara, I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was an amazing man that was so proud of his family. His determination and perseverance followed him always. He was friendly, outgoing with a smile on his face and had a joke or good story to tell. He was a kind man that went the extra mile for anyone he met, would be so helpful when someone needed him. Rick loved to participate in all of his families activities whether it be kayaking, baseball and softball games and photography. He will truly be missed and a one of a kind guy. Heaven has gained a caring, outgoing and compassionate man that will be truly missed by all.
I’m so sorry