Richard T. Swiatkowski

On December 29, 2024, in Philadelphia, PA, Richard Thomas Swiatkowski, formerly of Bensalem, PA, and Port Charlotte, FL, left this life to return to his creator. He was 84.

Born on December 1, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA., he was the first child of Joseph J. and Anna C. (Wellman) Swiatkowski. He received his secondary education from Saint Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, NJ, and attended the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH. Rich, as his friends and family called him, also served our country in the US Army Reserve.

Much of his work career was in the field of photography, first as a resort photographer in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and later in the real estate industry in the Philadelphia metro area. He eventually transitioned into a real estate sales career in the Southeast PA market.

His hobby of wine and beer making eventually blossomed into a side business named Cap and Cork which he operated for several years.

In 1988, good fortune smiled on Richard when he met a nursing professional named Dorothy Leavy. Rich and Dorrie fell passionately in love and married in 1993. After residing in Bensalem, PA, for twelve years, they decided to move to Port Charlotte, FL, to enjoy the benefits of a warmer climate. There, Richard enjoyed the pleasure of caring for his yard full of palm trees, fruit trees, and plants. Rich and Dorrie returned to the Philadelphia area in the summer of 2020 to be closer to their families. They resided at the Lafayette Redeemer Senior Community.

Rich had a great sense of humor and was always ready to enjoy a good laugh. As a loyal Philadelphia Eagles fan, he rode the emotional rollercoaster the team’s play provided. A kind-hearted soul, he loved his family and had a tremendous devotion to Dorrie. Sadly, Richard lost his loving wife, Dorrie, on January 4, 2024. Because of their tremendous love, her passing affected him deeply.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna Czekner, and her husband, James; his son, Erik Swiatkowski, and his wife, Danielle; his son, Richard Moscatel, and his wife, Kris; along with six grandchildren: Kerri Czekner, Tara Czekner, Brenna Czekner, Lauren (Swiatkowski) Lyons, Robyn Swiatkowski, and Michael Moscatel. He is also survived by his brothers, Arthur and Martin Swiatkowski; his sister, Carol Ann Burton; as well as Dorrie’s brothers, the late Joseph Leavy, Michael Leavy, and his late wife, Grace, and many of her cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, at St. Ephrem’s Church, 5400 Hulmeville Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020. Visitation is at 10:00 am, and Mass is at 11:00 am. Those unable to attend in person can view the service online at www.meyersfh.com by clicking on Richard's obituary and selecting "watch event.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s name may be made to https://floridastateparksfoundation.org to honor his love of everything nature.

Arrangements entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home. Condolences may be made by visiting www.meyersfh.com