Michael J. Switek, Jr.

Michael John Switek, Jr. of Houston, TX, passed away on January 26, 2022 at the age of 80 after a courageous, two-year fight against cancer. He was born on October 30, 1941 in Passaic, NJ to Michael John Switek Sr. and Estelle Hicswa Switek. Michael was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who always came home whistling. He was a teacher to his children and grandchildren, passing on ghost stories, ways to identify trees or geologic formations, and where to find the best fruit in town. He was a geologist who pulled the car over in the middle of nowhere to point at some rocks. He could beat anyone at Trivial Pursuit. He lovingly tended his citrus trees.  He led Boy Scout Troop #640 through Dutch-oven spaghetti and a victorious banner competition. Michael was an adventurer who worked in Siberia, Mexico, Denmark, Colombia, and Kazakhstan; he’d return to Texas and say, “The nicest people live in (fill in the blank)”, but their kindness was surely a reflection of his own. He knew the location of every Dairy Queen between Houston and South Bend. When he travelled, he preferred to forge his own path rather than stay on the tour. At 18, he hitch-hiked from South Orange to the University of Notre Dame where he was a first-generation college student on an Army ROTC scholarship. Subsequently Michael served as a notification officer who consoled next-of-kin during the Vietnam War. He believed angels walked among us and would tell of the angel who found Michael and his five young children lost and hot in Lower Manhattan, gave them all Italian ices, then mysteriously disappeared. Michael was a gentle and generous soul.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Michael John Switek Sr. and Estelle Hicswa Switek. He is survived by Sally Frances Marnen Switek, his wife of 57 years; his children Michael John Switek III and wife Mam, Elizabeth Switek Deans & husband John, Daniel Switek and wife Elizabeth, Judith Switek, and Mary Switek; his grandchildren Noah, Jacqueline, Jacob, Danielle, Emily, and Adam.

Services will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00, and the Funeral will begin at 11:00 officiate by Fr. Tom Smithson.

Burial will follow at 2:00 at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or Corpus Christi Catholic Church.