By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – Longtime City Councilman and Treasurer Andrew A. Swiecki, 82, died Aug. 14, leaving behind a long legacy of public service and volunteer work in the community.
Swiecki, who was born in 1939 into a large Polish family, lived above his father’s business, and for 26 years operated Andy’s Café.
He served as a Wyandotte city councilman from 1967 to 1979, and from 1979 to 2013 as the city treasurer.
A 1957 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School and a 1963 graduate of the University of Detroit, he was an active member of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, the Wyandotte Lions Club and the Wyandotte Goodfellows.
Swiecki was also involved with the Wyandotte Museum, the Wyandotte Parade, the Knights of Columbus, and the Wyandotte Street Art Fair, where he will be fondly remembered for his serving skill in the beer tent.
The Customer Assistance and Payment Center at the current city hall was dedicated in his honor.
Mayor Robert Desana said Swiecki was a true Wyandotte man.
“There weren’t many things that Andy wasn’t involved with,” he said. “Andy was a genuine, honest and a very caring man.”
DeSana said Swiecki’s commitment to serving as an elected official, as well as with the Lions Club and the Goodfellows was “second to none.”
“I was honored and very happy that Andy took the time to meet with me two weeks prior to his passing,” he said. “Andy will truly be missed by everyone. I loved that man.”
City Clerk Lawrence Stec said Swiecki was “one of a kind.”
“He had a way with people that I don’t think anyone on the planet had,” he said. “I know that’s a bold statement, but I have personally seen very upset people enter his area at the old city hall, loudly complaining about taxes or something, and after a few minutes with Andy, they’d leave with a smile on their face or even laughing.”
Stec said he often went to Swiecki for political advice.
“He was an amazing guy and a great personal friend, and his untiring work for the citizens of the city and the Wyandotte Goodfellows left indelible marks on both institutions.”
Stec said Swiecki will be deeply missed.
“Though gone, he will never be forgotten,” he said.
City Treasurer Todd Browning, Swiecki’s successor, said he was a good friend and a mentor.
“He supported me and helped me run for the office of city treasurer, the office he previously held for many, many years,” he said. “Whenever I would call him, he always answered, and would give me great advice.”
Browning said he was blessed by his friendship, and will miss him.
Swiecki received the Goodfellow of the Year Award and the Wyandotte Citizen of the Year Award, served on the Board of Directors for the Downriver YMCA, and served as president for the Wayne County Treasurer’s Association.
He leaves behind his wife of nearly 53 years, Patricia Prosniewski; two sons, Andrew K. Swiecki and Jeffrey Swiecki; a daughter, Susan (Swiecki) Radel; and seven grandchildren.
Visitation was held Aug. 18 at Czopek Funeral Home in Wyandotte, with a funeral mass Aug. 19 at Our Lady of the Scapular Parish in Wyandotte.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Wyandotte Lions Club, lionsclubs.org, and the Wyandotte Goodfellows, P.O. Box 392, Wyandotte, MI, 48192.
Memories may be shared via email to [email protected].