Richard James Svalas

Richard J. Svalas, 54, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away May 24, 2010 in Sandy, Utah after suffering a 2 year battle with cancer and diabetes. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, January 3, 1956. He was the son of John S and Betty L. Hansen Svalas. He was the husband of the late Katrina Speters.
He is survived by his daughter Ashly Svalas, Lancaster County, PA, brother Gregory J. Svalas , Conestoga, PA, fiancé© Susan Mortensen, Leola, PA, two nephews Alex and Gregory, sister Susan Touhey and husband Steve Touhey, Haworth, NJ, two nieces Kim and husband Rahi, and Lauran, one nephew Max and his Aunt Shirley Whalen of PA. He will be missed by all his cousins and friends.
Richard was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes, Garden City High School and attended Nassau Community College. He was employed at a prestigious carpet company in N.Y.C. where he learned the skill of installing wool carpets and selling handmade oriental carpets. On weekends Richard sold herbs and spices at flea markets in Long Island, NY. He enjoyed fishing and boating at Long Island Sound. His other interests were hunting, camping, hiking, cooking, antiquing, auto racing and football.
A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Mount Olivet cemetery in Salt Lake City. Memorial contributions in Richard's memory may be sent to Silverado Hospice of Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition, a special thank you to Jeff Roberts who helped Richard through these past two years of illness. He is a good friend and very much appreciated by Richard's family.