In Memory
Richard L. Swiental
February 25, 1958 ~ October 10, 2025
Richard L. Swiental, 67, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 9:44 pm, in St. Joseph Regional Med Center.
Richard was born in South Bend on February 25, 1958 to parents Richard W. Swiental and Helen M. Botos who both precede him in death. Richard grew up in South Bend and graduated from Riley High School in 76 before going on to study commercial art at Ivy Tech. Richard started working in the diamond business in 1980 as a salesman at Fox Jewelers out of Michigan at Concord Mall, Elkhart. He met the love of his life Julie Kenna at The Moonraker disco. Inseparable thereafter, the two married on October 8, 1983 and they had one daughter together, Katie (Jake) Neece.
Richard worked for Fox’s for several years eventually deciding to go into the jewelry business for himself opening a store called C.J. Richards. He also bought Parkview Tavern becoming an accomplished business owner and President of the East Bank Business Association. Spearheading the Ethnic Festival. Richard was a finalist in the Indiana Jewelers Association Awards four times and he was certified by the Gemological Institute of America and the Diamond Council of America. He traveled the country with David Downey Assoc in sales doing remounts.Especially excited to go to malls in Alaska and on the west coast. Eventually on his own with Professional Jewelry Services.Richard also enjoyed collecting sport cars, he was a fan of the New York Yankees loved all genre of music and enjoyed watching old films one of his favorite directors being Alfred Hitchcock. Richard believed he received a second chance at life after an extended hospital stay and persistent illness. He received last rites three different times, the second time he said revitalized his Catholic faith that had been a part of his life since childhood. This was in 2010 and Richard was able to work, create jewelry and pass on to Katie his creativity of art enjoying family for many more years before his passing.
Surviving Richard along with his wife Julie and his daughter and son-in-law Katie and Jake Neece, are his brother, Michael Swiental, and his sister, Rebecca Ullery, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-6pm on Sunday. In the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue. Memorial Contributions can be made to Pet Refuge 4626 S Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614 as well as St. Joseph Catholic Church 220 W 4th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Online condolences may be sent at www.zahoran.com.
10/16/2025 djb
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