LEICESTER–John V. “Vin” Swan, Sr., 81, of Franklin St. died Monday morning, June 28th, in his home. He leaves his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth “Betty” (Rowe) Swan, 3 sons John V. “Jay” Swan, Jr. and his wife Susan of Woodstock, CT, Frederick J. Swan and David W. Swan both of Leicester, 2 daughters Helen Marie wife of Richard Harris of Worthing, W. Sussex, UK and Marybeth wife of Douglas Bardot of Windham, CT, his sister Jane O’Connell of Auburn, 2 granddaughters Elizabeth M. Swan and Allison J. Swan both of Woodstock, CT, numerous nieces and nephews. A brother Dr. Edward J. Swan and a sister Helen McDonald predeceased him.
He was born in Worcester the son of Edward J. and Mary E. (Smith) Swan and moved to Leicester in 1953. He graduated from the former Classical High School in Worcester, graduated from The College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in 1947 and attended Clark University for his advanced graduate work. Mr. Swan began his career as a Food Broker in 1950 for Standard Brands he also was employed by Morris Alper & Sons, Inc., Food Enterprise, Inc., Lawrence Kolbin & Co. and retired in 1983 from Port Clyde Foods as their national sales manager. He and his wife were founding members of St. Pius X Church in Leicester and founded the H.E.L.P. organization in Leicester a community based social service agency. He was an active committee member of the Scout Troop sponsored by St. Joseph’s Parish in Leicester and enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, the reading of biographies and historical non-fiction.
Mr. Swan was a proud Marine Corps veteran of World War II, serving in the 1st Division, 7th Regiment in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater when it assaulted and captured Okinawa and during its occupation in post war China. He loved his God, his country and his family and was faithful to all three, Semper Fidelis.
The funeral is Friday, July 2nd from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with a Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, 1161 Main Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be Thursday, July 1st from 4:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. The family requests that flowers be omitted and donations may be made to The McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, 77 Mulberry St., Leicester, MA, 01524.