Robert G. Swalec

Robert G. Swalec, of St. Clair Shores, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the age of 83. He was born October 22, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Jean (nee Bialkowski ) Swalec. As a young man, Bob joined the SkiWi Ski Club and soon met his wife, Denise. Many lifelong friendships were devolped through the years. As the group grew up and started having families the ski trips turned into camping trips and family vacations. Bob loved camping. He enjoyed being in the outdoors and embracing the nature around him. Bob worked for Freuhaf Corporation for almost 25 years and held many different positions and job titles throughout the years. For a man who loved large vehicles, he definitely found the right career path. The bigger the vehicle or truck, the better. This carried on through his entire adult life. He would always volunteer to be the carpool dad and transport his kids and their friends to all their different events. Whether it was driving his personal van or driving the church bus, Bob was ready to get them to where ever they needed to be. Bob was a tinkerer. Hanging out in the garage for hours on end, he thoroughly enjoyed to just tinker. His giant collection of tools definitely made him the man to fix anything and everything. If something was broke, especially on the trailer, Bob had the tool and knowledge to fix it. He was always the "go to guy" on camping trips if anything broke or didn't work on anyones camper. Bob enjoyed time away camping with his family and the camping groups. He became well know as the "Campfire Master" and inventing "Indian Wood". Bob loved to tell stories. He was truly blessed to be given the gift to be an amazing story teller. He was able to turn a two minute story for most people, into an elaborate explanation and detailed story that caught everyone's attention within ears distance. He was sure to have you laughing shortly after he started talking. Bob is survived by his wife, Denise for over 56 years. Devoted father of Rolf and Monique (Chuck) Thiel. Loving grandfather of Kyle (Ellen) Thiel and very proud great grandfather of his twin girls, Cora and Valerie. Dear brother of Phillip (Lita), Steve (Theresa) and the late John (Doris), Larry (Joanie) and Jerry (Bea). He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation Wednesday 2-8 p.m. with a Scripture Service 7 p.m. at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc., 11470 Thirteen Mile Road (west of Hoover) Warren. Instate Thursday 9 :30 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 10 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 22412 Overlake St. (corner of Greater Mack Ave.) St. Clair Shores. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be addressed to The Capuchins, 1820 Mt Elliott St, Detroit, MI 48207 - or Society of St. Vincent De Paul - St. Joan of Arc Conference, 22412 Overlake St., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 Bob's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on St. Joan of Arc's LIVE webpage at: https://www.sjascs.org/st-joan-live and also on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/sjascscatholic

Robert G. Swalec

October 22, 1939 - March 18, 2023