John Peter Szewczyk

Long-time resident of Paw Paw, Michigan, John P. Szewczyk, age 69, passed away on January 1, 2021, from Covid-19 related complications.
John grew-up on the family farm owned by his well-known parents, the late Rudolph and Anna (nee Starzec) Szewczyk. He loved his Polish heritage, was fluent in the language, and spent many hours on the internet studying the history and culture of what he affectionately called “the old
country.” He graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1969 and attended KVCC and Southwestern Michigan College where he pursued his love of computer technology. He was also a ham radio enthusiast.

John was a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary Church and a beloved benefactor of St. Mary School which he attended in his youth. John cherished his memories and friendships there so much that he maintained near daily contact with school staff. For the past few years, the students sent him precious cards and notes which he kept at his bedside thanking him for his gifts which greatly enhanced the school’s technological and computer status.
John is survived by relatives in Poland and Germany and various out-of-state cousins, his favorites of whom were Elizabeth (James) Barstatis in Illinois, Suzy Fritz Barnes in Iowa, and Catherine “Cooky” Tisch in Pennsylvania. He had numerous friends in the community who appreciated his wry sense of humor and generous heart, including Dave and Mary Collison and, most especially his dear friend, Deborah Furness O’Brien.

Visitation will take place Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 209 South Brown Street, Paw Paw. Mass of Christian burial will commence at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Xavier officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Mary School in John’s name.