Paul Swirck
Paul Swirck, age 78, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024. He was born February 5, 1946 in Chicago, IL to the late Henry Swirck and Mary Swirck. His family moved to Playa del Rey, California when he was two, and later to Granada Hills, where he graduated from Granada High School in 1964.
He is survived by his two daughters in California, Tami Burgess and husband, Isaiah Burgess, Julie Krofta, and his grandchildren, Olivia and Logan; His fiancé in Edwardsville, Leanne Nealy, and step-daughter in St. Louis, Molly Simms and husband, Zac Minor. He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Swirck and sister, Phyllis Cox.
Paul married Barbara Ahlstrom in 1965 and divorced in 1982. His retirement took him to St. Louis where he met his fiancé, Leanne Nealy of Edwardsville, IL. They had a 22 year relationship in which they shared a love of antiques and enjoyed many trips together.
Paul’s career in sales began with his dad at LaRosa. In the early 70s, his focus became candy. He greatly enjoyed the candy business and started with and rose to National Sales Manager with M&M Mars. He then moved to Hollywood Brands starting as Director of Sales, West and ended his tenure as VP of Domestic and Foreign Trade Development. After Hollywood Brands, he went on to VP of Sales & Marketing/ COO of Annabelle Candy Company. His final candy stop, before retirement at 45, was VP of Sales for Heide Candy Company. While he was fortunate enough to retire in his mid 40s, he never stopped; always dabbled in the candy business as a consultant, as well as creating/inventing “things” throughout the rest of his life. He was an avid member of the GAKC, a St. Louis Knife Club. He enjoyed collecting and researching antiques, which began with his dad when he was a little boy.
He enjoyed life, everyday. He especially loved coming to California to visit his daughters and grandchildren. He loved going to Venice Beach where he could enjoy the beach and warm sunshine. Paul and his stories will live on in those who love him.
Following cremation, a scattering of ashes will be done by his family in Playa del Rey, California.
RIP Paul I will remember the limited time we had together as one of the rewards of life.
RIP my friend and love. I will miss you always.
RIP dad. You are so loved and missed.
Sure will miss your humor and great stories 🙏To Paul’s family-please accept my sincere condolences
RIP, Paul……we met as I was a bartender at the President Casino. He always had stories to tell, and I really enjoyed hearing them. In fact I met his youngest daughter, Julie, as they came to the casino. Paul, enjoyed Viedo Porker, and enjoyed playing and sometimes winning a nice Jack Pot. I also met his brother, Steve and he was very interesting also…Steve became my boss, and that was always interesting, because there were times I wasn’t at my bar and he tried to tell me the importance at staying be hind the bar, to serve our quest. Ha, I always gave him the look and stated ok whatever.
Took Paul & Leanna out to eat. One time Paul called, he and Steve wanted to come over to Illinois and eat a big fat Prime Rib. You and Joe busy? If not come join us. And of course we did. He and Steve were 2 very smart men , brothers that stayed together. Where ever Paul was, Steve was usually there.
REST IN Peace my dear friend. It was a pleasure to met u and then become friends and a long friendship is was. We’ll miss u a lot. I know u loved living out in the country, with Leanna. You were always so excited to see all the wild life there. I know u were happiest as u 2 went looking for treasures. Some good ones some not so sweet.
I like to think you made a stop here in Ketchikan on your way to the other side. Fair winds and following seas. RIP Paul.
Paul, I will always remember you as a generous man concerned about everyone’s health. RIP