South Windsor Obituary: Melvin Swanson, 79

Melvin I. Swanson, 79, of South Windsor, beloved husband of Gwen (Glidden) Swanson, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 29, 1937 in North Billerica, MA, son of the late Karl E. and Ella G.(Wikman) Swanson. Melvin grew up in Bellerica, MA and graduated from Howe High School with the Class of 1955. He served our country with the U.S. Navy.

Melvin was married to the love of his life, Gwen Glidden in 1964 and together they settled in South Windsor where they have lived since. He worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford for 27 years and finished his career at GTC.

In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife all over the world and the U.S. He enjoyed coin collecting, working in his yard and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. Melvin cherished the time he was able to spend with his children and most especially his grandchildren.

Along with his wife Gwen, he leaves his children, Kim Ellen Massie and her husband William of Cobalt, William "Billy" Swanson of Manchester and Thomas John Swanson of Derby; his brothers, Carl I. Swanson and his wife Violet of N. Andover, MA, Emil B. Swanson of Winthrop, ME; his sister, Eleanor Ribinskas of Ft. Worth, TX and his four grandchildren, Ryan C. Massie, Sarah E. Massie, Emma C. Swanson, and Noah A. Swanson.

Melvin's family would like to send a special thank you to Richard and Alberta LaCafta.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, January 14, 2017, from 10-11 a.m., at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., in the funeral home, concluding with Military Honors. Burial will be private at the request of his family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to MARC, an organization that has special meaning for the Swanson family and has been kind, caring and compassionate with their son Billy for many years. Donations may be made to MARC, 151 Sheldon Rd., Manchester, CT 06042.

Please visit us at www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences and guest book.