Jack Joseph Sawinski

Jack J. Sawinski passed away peacefully at the age of 93 the morning of January 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Jack was a resident of The Coves at River Garden Senior Services in Jacksonville, Florida and a member of Saint Anastasia Catholic Church in Saint Augustine, Florida. Jack was born on December 29th,1932 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Joseph and Dorothy (Joe and Dot) Sawinski. Jack lived most of his adult life in Kendall Park, NJ, then later in St. Augustine, and Jacksonville, FL. After high school Jack attended Aquinas College for a year before joining the Army in 1952 to serve in the Korean War. After the war he earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan, Go Blue. After graduating from the U of M, Jack accepted a position with Con Edison in New York City. He loved working for Con Ed where his involvement included a vast variety of jobs ranging from towers 440 feet high to tunnels 125 feet deep, as well as electrical substations, gas metering stations, and pipelines throughout the City. He helped complete projects that were first-of-a-kind worldwide, setting new standards for the utility industry. Jack called it a Civil Engineer's dream. He authored numerous published articles in trade magazines while recognizing that “success has many fathers”, a favorite saying of his. He loved NYC and enjoyed taking family and friends to Broadway shows, Ranger, Met, Yankee, Jet, and Giant games as well as dining at some of the finest restaurants in the world. A near fatal accident on the New Jersey Turnpike led to an early retirement in 1991 from Con Ed which presented an opportunity to move into the world of low-income housing. Jack volunteered his time and experience for 10 years serving as the President of Oak Woods in South Brunswick, NJ. The result was the construction of beautiful homes for 75 Senior Citizens. Jack served another 6 years as President. For this effort, he received an honorary resolution from the New Jersey Legislature. Jack's community spirit was also evident in many years of volunteer work with Meals on Wheels. Jack had a profound love for travel, with Italy and Ireland being among his favorite destinations. He loved deep-sea fishing and had the opportunity to participate in many tournaments. Over his life he met some remarkable individuals (Arnold Palmer, Robert F. Kennedy, Rosie Brown, Joe Nameth, etc.) and conversed with mayors, Governors, Bishops, and more. Jack’s life has been truly blessed by the many opportunities he has had. It was during his time at Aquinas that he met and fell in love with Joan Marilyn Quinn. Their marriage in 1956 lasted for 68 years until Joan’s death in 2024. He is survived by his children Joe (Joyce) of Jacksonville, FL, Jim (Cheryl) of Byron, GA, John (Lynn) of Brooklet, GA, and Jana (Dean) Pillar of Jacksonville, FL, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Paul Sawinski, his granddaughter, Laura Joan Sawinski, and his sister Jill Skinner. Without a doubt Jack’s greatest pleasure was his family. He loved talking about them and expressing his pride in each member. He considered his family his greatest accomplishment. He loved his wife and was by her side every day throughout her 7 years of struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was extremely grateful for the love and companionship of so many neighbors, friends and fellow workers. His family will be forever appreciative to the staff at River Garden for the warmth, compassion, and friendship he received over the past 8 years. We rejoice in knowing that Jack is now with his Savior. A memorial service in honor of Jack’s remarkable life will be held at a later date at Saint Anastasia Catholic Church in Saint Augustine, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to River Garden Foundation or to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in his memory. Jack’s legacy of love, dedication, faith, and friendship will forever remain in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. God bless you Dad, you are now at home with your wonderful wife Joan. St. John's Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jack Joseph Sawinski

December 29, 1932 - January 1, 2026