Fred W. Swanson

Fred W. “Swanny” Swanson, 94, of Brockton, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his loving wife on August 30, 2018. Born in Brockton on June 12, 1924 to Fred A. and Corrine (Carlson) Swanson, he attended schools in Kingston, Pembroke, and graduated from Avon High School. He was always a strong, independent man who could fix anything. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and ice fishing. Most importantly, he was a proud WWII combat veteran, 1st Marine Division with elite 541 Nightfighters, surviving the Battle of Pelilui and South Pacific campaigns. He was a recipient of several WWII medals. Fred excelled as a rifleman, having never missed a mark in training, an accomplishment he was proud of, having lots of practice hunting as a young boy. After his military service he apprenticed and completed his training in painting, and eventually owned a painting contractor business, until retiring in 1986. Fred was a life member of Avon VFW Post 8892, Baalis Sanford Masonic Lodge, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Fred was the beloved husband of Bridie (Curran) Swanson for 45 years; loving father of Fred W. Swanson and his wife Cheryl, Karen Swanson Roche, Kristin Nolan and her husband Marty, Kathy Goetsch and her husband Bob, Donnie Hamill and his wife Debbie, and the late Michael Hamill; grandfather of 10; great-grandfather of 27; dear brother of Doris Cronin; and an uncle of many. All are welcome to calling hours Fri., Sept. 7th from 4-7 p.m. in Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton, funeral service Sat., Sept. 8th at 9 a.m. in Waitt Funeral Home, followed by Patriot Riders of MA Chapter 5 motorcycle procession led by his niece and nephew to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bryantville for a Marine Honor Guard committal. At Fred’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Prince of Peace Church, 906 N. Main St., Brockton, MA 02301.

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