WWII Vet, Avid Gardener Raymond Swarm, 93

Raymond E. Swarm, age 93, of Bethel, died Sunday, April 28, 2013 at his home. He was the husband of the late Ethel (Franklin) Swarm who died in July 2012.

Ray was born in New Milford, CT, October 10, 1919, son of the late Anders and Jennie (Brandt) Swarm. He graduated from Ridgefield High School and entered in the Army, serving on Guadal Canal during WWII, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He worked at Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing for many years. Ray was an avid gardener, a history buff and a lover of classical music.

He is survived by his sister Mary S. Menti, of Bethel; a brother Frank Swarm, of Everman, TX; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by brother John Swarm and sister Lillian Alhage.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810.

The funeral will be held at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Bethel.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, during the hour preceding the service, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday.