Larry Joe Kania, 69, of Swansea, IL, died Sunday, March 9, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.
Larry was born to Lawerence and Cecelia, nee Rybacki, Kania, on October 12, 1955, in East St. Louis. Larry attended St. Phillips Grade School and was a graduate of Assumption High School in 1973. Being a gear head he was, he went on to Ranken Bailey Technical. He enjoyed truck driving and any earth moving equipment. Larry was a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL. He was a chief engineer on the Swansea Volunteer Fire department and served on the Swansea Park Board as president for over a decade. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Larry retired from the Village of Swansea Public Works Department in December of 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawerence and Cecelia, nee Rybacki, Kania; and his two brothers-in-law, Rowan Cadaret and Stephen Ellison.
Left to mourn his passing are his two sons, Andrew Kania of Windfield, MO, and Caleb Kania of Swansea, IL; his wife of 30 years, Gloria Kania; three grandchildren, Steven Valentine, Hilo Bay, HI, Robert of Winfield, MO, and Cheyenne of Winfield, MO; two sisters, Mary Ann Cadaret and Sandra Ellison, a brother, Thomas (Jeannie) Kania; many nieces and nephews; and dearest friends, Butch Hunter and Richard Valentine.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, Minds Eye, Knights of Columbus Post 1221, or to St. Peter Cathedral Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Godfrey Mullen officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date.
