Edward David Swidriski, Jr.

Edward David Swidriski, Jr., 67, left this life on December 1, 2022 in Houston, Texas. He died surrounded by those who meant everything to him in this world and to whom he was everything: his beloved wife of 40 years, Gloria Ramírez Swidriski; his son, Edward David Swidriski, III; and his daughter, Allison Marie Swidriski. He is also survived by the grandson he adored, James Edward Barnett; his sister, Gail Schubot; and many nieces and nephews, including Donald Schubot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward David Swidriski, Sr., and Doris Irene Kielwasser Swidriski; and by his stepson, Marc Daniel Kajs.

Born on September 3, 1955 in Howell, Michigan, he spent much of his childhood on his grandparents’ farm, and it was there that he was instilled with the values that made him the extraordinary man he was - values that included a recognition of the importance of hard work, devotion to family, and appreciation for all of God’s creation.

As a boy, he became a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, which he remained throughout his life. He soon grew to be a talented baseball player in his own right, winning numerous batting awards and becoming known for his ability to make unbelievable outfield catches. In his teenage years, he developed a keen interest in cars, a pursuit that he later confessed may have included racing up and down the country roads that crisscross the area between Detroit and Lansing. He was especially fond of high-performance, big-engine Ford Mustangs, of which he owned and restored several over the years, including a 1970 Boss 429 and a 1969 Boss 302. Blessed with both an exceptional intellect and a remarkable mechanical ability, he not only possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Mustangs and other classic cars but could readily repair them as well.

After graduating with honors from Michigan State University, he worked for a time in Michigan and Florida before moving to Houston with family. There, on August 8, 1981, while playing in a company baseball game, he met the great love of his life, Gloria. They married soon after and together built a close, affectionate family.

Exceedingly industrious, he spent the first part of his working years in the automotive parts supply business before moving on to manage warehouse, shipping, and distribution work. His ambition in life was to always be there for his family, and in that he succeeded beyond all expectation. He was there for every birthday, holiday, graduation, and college move-in and move-out day; he was there to support and comfort his family through adversity and tragedy; he was there to celebrate good days, triumphs big and small, and important life milestones; and he was always there to lend a helping hand. Humble and modest by nature, he was never one to call attention to his own abilities, but those who knew him could not fail to recognize that he was a man of many talents. In addition to his baseball and automotive skills, he was an able home repairman and avid home landscaper. He could learn anything he set his mind to. Despite having no formal legal training, he won a jury trial on his own against a large insurance company. He was also the caring and attentive owner of many dogs over the course of his life, each of which returned his affection to a degree that was astonishing even for such naturally loyal creatures.

Through his wife, a native of Hebbronville, he came to love South Texas and became an expert in the history of the region. He spent many years researching and documenting the history of the storied San Antonio Viejo Ranch, located in present-day Jim Hogg County, which had been the Ramírez family homestead for generations before it was taken by force in 1916. Gifted with a kind and gentle soul, he was equally blessed with the fortitude to never shrink from confronting injustice. For many years he worked to protect and preserve the Ramírez family cemetery located on the San Antonio Viejo, which the current owners had allowed to fall into disrepair. He accomplished one of his life goals in October of 2022, when he placed an official Texas state historical marker at the entrance to the San Antonio Viejo Ranch. The inscription on the plaque, which he wrote, recognizes the location of the cemetery and honors the contributions of Lino Ramírez and the Ramírez family to the region. At the time of his passing, he was writing a book on the history of the San Antonio Viejo, which his family will complete.

A devoted and fiercely protective father and husband, he was a constant help to his family despite years of illness. He met hardship with dignity and grace, and without complaint. Even in the midst of his own challenges, he remained more concerned for the wellbeing of his loved ones than for himself. Heavy though they were, the burdens he faced in his last years of life were lightened by his grandson, Jimmy, to whom he served as a father figure. They brought great joy to one another each and every day. He selflessly gave his family a good life, and in so doing he lived a good life. He leaves behind a wife, son, daughter, and grandson who will always be proud of him and who will always be thankful to have had him in their lives.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022, beginning at 3:00 p.m., at Funeraria Del Angel Howard-Williams, 401 Texas St, Hebbronville, Texas 78361, followed by recitation of the rosary at 5:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 502 E. Santa Clara, Hebbronville, Texas 78361. Burial will follow at New Hebbronville Cemetery, 285 E. Highway, Hebbronville, Texas 78361.

Pallbearers will be: David O. Ramírez; Omar Ramírez; David Ramírez, Jr.; Carlos Ramírez; Armando Garza, Jr.; Donald Schubot; R.J. Montalvo; Octavio Ramos; and Omar Montalvo.