Donald A. Svetanics, Sr.

Donald A. Svetanics Sr. , fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away with his family by his side on May 16, 2020 at the age of 76, after a brief battle with pulmonary fibrosis.  Don was born in St. Louis to the late Clara and Milton Svetanics Sr.  Loving husband of Jean Green-Svetanics (nee Crusenberry) and the late Joan Svetanics (nee Grzechowiak).  Beloved father of Donnie (Linda) Svetanics Jr., Jim (Selma) Svetanics, and Christine (Skip) Hartley; cherished Gramps to the late Tony Svetanics (who preceded him in death by just one day), Ashley Beiermann, and Joshua and Hunter Svetanics; prized step-father to Andrew (Tracy) Green, Adam Green, and the late Amy Gauthier-Green; treasured step-gramps to Kyle (Kate) Hartley, Dylan and Adam Hartley, Breckon Struthers, Katlyn Sanders, Madison Gauthier, Hunter and Gavin Green; proud step-great-gramps to Kyrie and Carter; dear brother of Mary Ann (Van) Reidhead, Jeane (Tom) Barr, the late Neil (late Judy) Svetanics, the late Milton (late JoAnn) Svetanics Jr., and the late Rita Svetanics.

Don grew up in St. Louis, Missouri in a four family flat on Lee Avenue in Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish. He attended Beaumont High School before deciding to join the workforce full-time.  It was in the old neighborhood where he met the love of his life, Joan, and the two married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on April 28, 1962.  Don was a proud Teamster before retiring in 2000 to spend more time with his family.  After the devastating loss of his wife Joan to breast cancer in 2006, Don was lucky enough to find love a second time with Jean Green after a chance meeting aboard a Southwest Airline flight in June of 2008.  He soon moved to Houston and the two were married on October 8, 2011 and were blessed with almost nine wonderful years together.

Don was known for his sense of humor, his passion for hunting and fishing, and his love for his two dogs, Jack and Tito.  He enjoyed his Jack Daniels, his old Cadillac, his guns, and The Price is Right.

Don was a class-act, full of selfless love, a true gentleman, an amazing husband, father, step-father, grandfather, step-grandfather, step-great-grandfather, brother, father-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many.  Please help us celebrate the life of Don and his dearest grandson, Tony Svetanics, at a combined service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Don’s memory.