Obituary of Lester Szawlowski

Lester (Leszek) Jan Szawlowski, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at Hope Health Hospice in Providence, RI, on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76 years old.

Born in Poland, Lester was a dedicated technical school teacher who also taught driving lessons for trucks and buses. A passionate advocate for workers' rights, he became an active member of the NSZZ "Solidarnosc" in the Warmia-Mazury Region during the early 1980s. His commitment to the Solidarity Movement led to his internment as a political prisoner on December 13, 1981, where he spent nearly a year. In April 1983, seeking a better life for his family, Lester emigrated to the United States as a political refugee, leaving behind his homeland and all he had known, armed only with hope and determination.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Lester utilized his technical skills in the jewelry industry as a toolmaker and eventually became the proud owner of Lesco Packing, Inc. Later, he turned his love for the outdoors into a thriving campground business, owning King's Family Campground until his retirement.

Lester's passion for nature was evident in his many hobbies. He loved camping, swimming, and mushroom picking, and he cherished gardening, having grown up on a farm. A true animal lover, he found joy in adopting dogs throughout his life.

He is predeceased by his mother, Janina (Maczynska) Szawlowska, and his father, Mikolaj Szawlowski.

Lester is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Halina Szawlowska, who stood by him through all of life’s challenges. Together, they created a nurturing home filled with warmth and laughter. He is also survived by his daughter Anna Herbert, her husband Ted Herbert, and son Dariusz Szawlowski, who carry forward his legacy of kindness and strength.

As a proud grandfather, Lester found immense joy in the lives of his grandchildren: Casandra Mancini and her husband Christopher Mancini, along with granddaughters Ariana Pacheco and Skye Szawlowski. His heart swelled with pride as he welcomed three great-grandchildren: Jackson, Ethan, and Hannah Mancini.

Leszek’s sister, Irena Kuczynska, along with her husband Ryszard Kuczynski, also survive him, sharing fond memories of their childhood together.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Funeral and Cremation Service, 168 Academy Ave, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Adalbert's Church, 866 Atwells Ave, Providence. Burial will be in St Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

For further information and condolences, please visit MOUNTPLEASANRFH.COM.

In honoring Lester's memory, his family invites those who knew him to celebrate his life and legacy, remembering a man who dedicated himself to his family, his community, and the pursuit of freedom and justice.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lester Szawlowski, please visit our Tree Store