Edmund J. Swain
Edmund J. Swain of Western Springs. Beloved husband of the late Patricia A. Swain (nee Fitzgerald). Loving father of Ed (Marcia) and Patti Stark. Cherished “Papa” of Alec, Mackenzie, Dylan, Griffin, Ryan, and Kelly.
Ed was born and raised in Chicago. He earned his degree in Finance from Loyola University Chicago. Ed served in the U.S. Army. His career as a Stock Broker spanned over 60 years. Ed was a man built to care and provide. His gentle kindness and selfless spirit forged a loving family he adored. Ed’s roles were many, but his love of coaching countless children the sport of basketball thrilled him beyond belief. Proud of his Irish heritage, Ed reveled in cheering for The Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He will always be remembered as a man devoted to his Catholic Faith, family, and friends.
Visitation 4-8pm Thursday, February 17th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Chapel prayers 10:15am Friday, February 18th from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Church for Mass at 11am. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Funeral Info: 708-352-6500
What a wonderful man your dad was. Patti, I have never seen a daughter as devoted to her dad as you. Because your dad was such a blessing for you and the kids, this loss is so profound. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. I hope it is some comfort to know that your dad and mom have been reunited, and that they are both with you always.
Oh Christine, your kind words means so much to me. I was so blessed to have had thee best parents in the world. And although I am crying as I type this, I am immensely aware that their spirit is within me and it provides me with so much gratitude and strength.
Bless you and your entire family (especially Quinn).
Love,
Patti
Dear Ones:
As Edmund’s cousin and growing up in the heart of St. Gabriel’s parish ,I remember Edmund as a very humble and thoughtful person. We went through grammar school together with the many Farnan cousins and saw the families for all the Communions, Baptisms, Graduations and Marriages; we were very close during these years. There were many occasions for a party and the children would all be included in the festivities. . As we progressed into our teens we played basketball down at the Swains and many a time we went to the beach at 55th and Lake Shore. Edmund was a quick wit and loved to challenge his brothers and cousins in sports. I never heard Edmund say an unkind word about anyone.
I send my sympathies at the loss of this dear man whose life and faith were an encouragement to many. May the Lord Jesus receive Edmund into Paradise where he will dwell with his Lord forever.
Love, Maggie Farnan Sullivan
Maggie,
Thank you for your kind words. My dad spoke often of his childhood. In the last few years, he loved to go on car rides and often asked me to drive him down to the “old neighborhood.” My dad grew more and more nostalgic about his family and your name as did many other cousins’ names came up as he told me stories about when he was a little boy and a teenager. This included sports, picnics, and working at the “back of the yards.” He was so proud of his family and loved all of his cousins and classmates from St. Gabriel’s grammar school and Leo High School.
Take care and May God Bless you and your family, always.
Love,
Patti
Mr Swain
St Cletus
Basketball coach
Father
Wonderful, kind, funny, competitive man.
He carries on as a little piece in all of us.
Amen
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
PS 115:16
Mark Streff ‘81
Mark,
Thank you for such a nice tribute to my dad. He loved to coach(especially you and your team at St. Cletus in 1981) and you nailed it when you said he was competitive and funny. He recently told my daughter’s team that he was coaching that it was a “mortal sin” to turn the ball over and it was a “venial sin” to travel. And some of the girls at her Catholic school (St John of the Cross) believed him!
It was so nice to hear from you and know my dad’s influence. Bless you and your family! My dad’s favorite prayer was “let go, let God!”
Sincerely,
Patti
Coach Swain, as I remember him, will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. I have fond memories of playing basketball for this great man and coach while attending St. Cletus grade school.
He was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the game and dedicated his time and support to so many kids on and off the court.
I am grateful to have known Mr. Ed Swain as he had a profound impact on me as a kid with basketball, and as an adult by being a role model for a life well played.
With deepest sympathy.
Patrick Reid
Pat,
My dad loved coaching basketball especially you as he always said you were not only a great player but that you were so “coachable.” I so enjoyed the story you shared with me when my dad told you to “shoot the ball like you are on the playground.”
I can just hear him saying that in Morrissey gym at St. Cletus where every game was treated like a championship one.
I am so touched by your heartfelt words. I know how touched my dad was when you told him about shooting hoops with your own son in the driveway. He had the biggest smile on his face. You should have seen him! I hope you keep shooting baskets together! Take care.
Gratefully,
Patti
I will always remember Ed as a friendly and caring man, as well as our stockbroker. He always took the time to talk about life. My dad, Paul Meinhardt was probably one of his first clients. He always had kind words to say about Ed. I am sure they had many conversations about the Chicago Bulls, as my dad was a basketball advocate as well.
My condolences
Valerie Hennessey
Val,
Paul was indeed one of my dad’s first clients! I remember fondly their many conversations over the years which spanned more than stocks and investments. They shared a love for their family the most. Thank you for your kind words. Perhaps our dads will be watching “March Madness” in heaven while they watch over both of our families.
Love,
Patti