John C. Swift Jr., retired brick mason
John C. Swift Jr., of Millsboro passed away at home Friday, March 28, 2014.
Born Oct. 13, 1939, in Wilmington, he was the son of the late John C. Sr., and Emily Higley Swift. He was a brick mason, and retired in 1988. He was married to Shirley Shellar in 1960 in Wilmington. Together they raised two children, and shared a life of fishing, crabbing, and Shirley was devoted to his care in declining health. He loved hunting and was a “matter of fact” outgoing man, generous to a fault. He developed many friendships as he recycled cans at the Bottle and Cork. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by a daughter, Stephanie Ann Swift, in 1981; and two siblings, his sister Bernice Swift; and his brother, Samuel Swift.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; and a son: John C. Swift III, also of Millsboro. He has five surviving siblings: Donald Swift, Barbara “Cookie” Stewar,; Nadine Trader, Delores “Dot” Fowler and Kenneth Swift. He is also survived by a sister-in-law: Janice Watson, and her husband Charles. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends. He is survived by five beloved canine friends: Pudge, Ivory, Tinkerbelle, Bow, Timber and Misty. A sixth dog, Breezy, passed away only the day before John passed.
A time of visitation and viewing will be held Tuesday, April 1, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St. Millsboro, from noon until 2 p.m. Interment will follow Wednesday, April 2, privately at Gracelawn Cemetery in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to help offset medical and final expenses c/o: Shirley Swift, P.O. Box 921, Millsboro, DE 19966.
