John A. Sawaski

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — John A. Sawaski, 88, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away Saturday evening, May 28, 2016.

John was born on May 8, 1928, in Wakefield, a son of Louis and Mary (Rydeski) Sawaski. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1945.

On Sept. 4, 1954, John was united in marriage to Irene D. Lanctoe in Marenisco. They celebrated more than 52 years of marriage.

He was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, where he served as an usher for decades.

John took pleasure in bowling with family and friends. He spent countless hours fishing for brook trout. John enjoyed hunting for partridge with his two beloved Brittney spaniels.

He was a true die-hard Detroit Lions fan and appreciated all sports.

John is survived by a son, Ronald, Ironwood; his sister-in-law, Jean Sawaski, Wakefield; numerous nieces and nephews; and several cousins, including Mike (Marlene) Rydeski, Wakefield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Irene, on Nov. 1, 2006; three brothers, Carl, Louis and David; and three sisters, Margaret Grasso, Verna Gaik and Gena Dascenzo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 8, at 11 a.m., preceded by memorial visitation at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Antony Lukka, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Lunch will be served at the church hall upon return from the cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.