Edward Joseph Swigris Jr.

Edward “Ed” Joseph Swigris Jr., 87, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, surrounded by those who loved him. A steady presence to family and friends, Ed will be remembered for his kindness, patient spirit, generosity and the warm smile he shared so easily.

Ed was born Nov. 2, 1938, in Peoria, Illinois, to the late Edward Sr. and Anne Swigris. He grew up on Peoria’s south end and attended St. Boniface Grade School before graduating from Spalding Institute in 1956. After high school, Ed joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country. When his service was complete, he returned home to Peoria and began a career with Canteen Vending Services, where he worked for more than 40 years before retiring.

Ed’s curiosity never slowed. An avid reader, especially of history, he was the kind of person who could turn an ordinary conversation into a small lesson, offered not to impress but to share what he’d learned. Those closest to him knew they could count on him for advice, a listening ear and a sense of humor.

He especially loved being on the water. Some of Ed's best memories were made outdoors – rowing on the Illinois River near home and fishing on Cedar Lake in Annandale, Minnesota, during family vacations.

A dedicated rower, he kept rowing well into his late 70s and found real friendship and community with the Illinois River Oarsmen, where he also enjoyed teaching and demonstrating rowing for new members, welcoming them in and sharing what he knew. He was also an active member of the Illinois Valley Yacht (IVY) Club, where he helped run sailing races on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, always ready to lend a hand and make sure everything went smoothly.

Ed enjoyed Peoria’s arts community, including the symphony, and supported many local charities and nonprofits, regularly volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. He was also a faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Robert “Bob” Swigris.

Surviving are his sister, Judy (Brian) Finn of North Fort Myers, Florida; brother, Tony (Beth) Swigris of Gulfport, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Sandra Swigris of Virginia Beach, Virginia; several nieces and nephews: Jody (Gordon) Swigris-Winner, Jeff (Rachel) Swigris, Jill (Brian) Swigris-Scanlon, Amy (Brian) Barlow-Siemers, Anna Swigris, Jaclyn Swigris, Brad (Jennifer) Finn, Taryn (Patrick) Finn-Condo and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. before the mass. Entombment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ed’s memory to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria Symphony Orchestra or Peoria Notre Dame High School.

Condolences and memories may be shared through Davison-Fulton.com