"I first met John at the flower shop on Bellevue in the late 80s when I sold advertising for Newport This Week.. He was always so gracious and quietly welcoming...a quality that I truly appreciated. Over the years, whenever we met on the street or at an event, he greeted me warmly and with sincerity although he may not have remembered my name. He wore his style and elegance well. What a sad loss for Newport and for us all. Elaine Williams"
In loving memory of
John Peter Sawicki
May 4, 1956 - June 1, 2021
A man about town, bon vivant, artist and interior designer, gourmet cook and friend to many Newporters, John Peter Sawicki passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 after a long battle with leukemia. Born in Bronx, NY and raised in Whitestone, NY, he was a graduate of Parson School of Design where he majored in Fashion Design. John's life was fully lived and influenced by living in New York, Paris and his chosen, Newport. Always gracious and kind, a gentle soul, he was always ready for fun and adventure. John possessed a cheerful wit and elegant flair which graced many jazz performances at Greenvale Vineyards and Newport Charity fund-raising events. He is known for wearing only white shirts, his beautiful white hair, and his elaborate Halloween costumes, which included Captain Morgan and the Devil himself.
In his last employment as Concierge of the private club at the Newport Marriott Hotel, he won Employee of the Year for his charm savior faire and dedication. Over the years John has been an integral part of the Island Moving Company, lending his time and artistic talents, creating scenery and costumes to enhance its beauty and presentation. For many years he served as flower arranger and designer for Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist in Newport creating beautiful altar designs and elegant vignettes, and served as an acolyte and subdeacon for the church as well.
He leaves many friends he considered dear in Newport and New York and is survived by his sisters, Stephanie Sawicki of Newport and Eileen Arena and her husband, Floyd Arena, of Cumming, GA
Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, June 4 from 4:00-7:00pm at Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Ave, Newport. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 5 at 11:00am in the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Poplar and Washington St, Newport. Burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Church https://saintjohns-newport.org/sjegiving/ or to St. Jude Children's Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or Leukemia Society https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate
Online tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"John was a true delight to be around. Always quick with a smile and a kind comment. His style, smile and spirit will be truly missed. We hope you are decorating the heavens John. Warm Blessings, The Reey Family"
"John was a ?Gentleman? in its true sense and was a kind and compassionate soul. We shall miss his presence in Newport and most of all on Saturday afternoon. Jazz Sessions at Greenvale Vineyards. Rest in Peace John. Marilyn Woloohojian Palm Beach, Florida"
"Wendy and I knew John for nearly thirty years; it was constantly a real joy and delight to see him around Newport... always walking with style and flair and presence. John always stopped to talk, was interested in what was happening and, often, was the source of news of what else was \"happening\" in Newport. One day I walked past John\'s store on Bellevue and could not but notice the most enormous and stylish \'three kings\' specially draped for the season. I boldly asked John if we could transport the \'kings\' to St. Columba\'s Chapel to celebrate Epipihany. Without a second thought, John agreed and promised to afford them transport. They were a hit! All thanks to the generosity, kindness of John Zawicki; I think he enjoyed shaking us up a little at the Chapel as well! Alan Neale"
"Jonathan and I are devastated by the passing of our dear friend John. A gentle, fun, generous, vibrant and extremely talented friend! Every time we spent time with him was special and precious. Last year, we did not get to see him socially due to the Pandemic but this year, we were planning on doing so. His talent in art was immense and we were always asking him to make us an original painting, which he promised he would. We will miss you very, very much John and we shall forever remember your laughter, your sense of style, your generosity and above all, your friendship. Jonathan and Marcela (\"Princess\" as you used to call me John)"