Kenneth G. Swiech, 80, lifelong Cumberland resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was the son of the late Stephen and Dora (Lussier) Swiech.

Ken was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served honorably in the U.S. Navy. Ken attributed being follicly challenged to having spent months at a time in nuclear submarines, specifically the USS Ethan Allen, a ballistic missile submarine. When asked recently where the submarine traveled in the war, he immediately replied that it was classified information. Case closed.

Ken served in the fire service for 40 years beginning as a volunteer firefighter in 1960. He was appointed a career firefighter in the Cumberland Hill Fire Department in 1967 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He rose steadily through the ranks and was appointed chief in 1981, retiring December 31, 2000. Ken's bravery - and literally, courage under fire – was demonstrated in 1980 when he ran into a burning home and pulled an unconscious woman to safety before the fire trucks had even arrived. For saving the woman's life, he was awarded a Special Commendation for Heroism Beyond the Call of Duty by the Board of Fire Wardens of the Cumberland Hill Fire Department. Additionally, the American Legion awarded him the Medal of Heroism for Life Saving and a certificate for Outstanding Service to the Community.

Ken is survived by his brother Richard Swiech and sister-in-law Mary Helen Marina of Glastonbury, Conn. He was preceded in death by his sister June. Ken is survived by his longtime friend, mentee, and colleague, Fire Chief Richard Susi (ret.) and his wife Holly as well as his dear friends Steve Tetreault and Kelley Merchant. His cousin, and as a child, his protector, Donald Corriveau and his wife Pat were loving, lifelong friends as was his fishing buddy Lloyd Oliver and his wife Christine. Ken is also survived by nephews Kenneth and Michael Beauregard as well Alan Susi, Stephanie Morrison, his godson Stephen Susi, and Breckin Tetreault.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday May 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, 3357 Mendon Road, Cumberland. Military Honors will be rendered immediately following the Mass.

Burial will be private.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 1st from 5:00 - 7:00 PM in the O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland. A firefighter walk-through will be held at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the RI Firefighter Memorial - checks can be made out to the RIAFC Foundation, PO Box 6041, Providence, RI 02940 and please note in the memo line: RI Firefighter Memorial.