Edward “Ed” Sweda, amazing father, involved grandfather and dedicated husband, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the age of 83. Beloved son of the late Stephanie and Peter Sweda; loving husband of Janet Sweda; devoted father of Laura (Jack) Fabick, Steven (Amie) Sweda and Stewart Sweda; cherished grandfather of Jenna Leigh Fabick, Jack Francis Fabick, Jr., Julia Fabick, Christopher Sweda, Nicholas Sweda, George Sweda, Jack Sweda and Sophia Sweda; caring brother of Geraldine “Geri” Sweda; and dear uncle of Natalia Olejnik.
Ed was born in Chicago on May 30, 1937 and graduated from the University of Illinois, where he met his college sweetheart, Janet K. Reissen, who he married on June 20, 1959. Early in his career, Ed pursued his passion in music, teaching an award-winning high school jazz ensemble and marching band in Barrington, IL. He later designed innovative children’s music curriculum for the Cemrel Aesthetic Education Program in St. Louis, MO. In 1987, Ed moved to Dallas, TX where he was Vice President of Sales for Freeman Exhibit Group until he retired.
Ed was full of life. He was always engaged in a project, rarely sat still, and found great fulfillment in helping others. He was a problem solver and a man who worked tirelessly for those he loved. He was an involved father and grandfather who took the time to share his sage knowledge and life experiences for the betterment of his children and grandchildren. He was a skilled and intuitive musician who avidly listened to big band and jazz. He enjoyed reading the New York Times from start to finish and was always up for a good burger and milk shake. And from yearly family vacations to European excursions, he loved to travel with his family. Ed was a man of great dignity, truly a class act.
Through his nearly 20-year battle with Parkinson’s, Ed showed us all how to be brave, tenacious, and most of all, full of patience and grace. Ed was dearly loved, will be greatly missed, but will forever live on in our hearts.
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