William L. Bill Swanson

William L. "Bill" Swanson, 69, of 34 Babcock Road, Bradford, passed away peacefully, Thursday, June 7, 2018, with his fiancee Beth at his side.

Born March 25, 1949, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John C. and Joyceln E. (Shultz) Swanson.

Bill was a 1967 graduate of Bradford Area High School. He enlisted in the United States Army, on April 13, 1969, served 13 months in Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged, June 9, 1970.

He had been employed by Verizon for 40 years, retiring as a lineman.

Bill was a member of the Eagles Club and a member of the Pine Acres Country Club.

Surviving is his fiancee, Beth (Plowman) Soyke, one daughter, Brenda (Jim) Pascarella, one  son, Brian (Angel) Swanson all of  Bradford, 3 step children, Brooke (Joey) Lipps, of Bradford, Tyler (Shay) Soyke of CO, and Alex Soyke of Bradford, four grandchildren, Anthony, Andrea, Skye and Dakota, three step grandchildren, Casey, Jacob, and Emma, two great grandchildren Roman and Cole, two sisters, Lisa Ann (Harold) Burdick, of AR, Lori B. (Simon) Barnes, of Limestone, two brothers, John K. (Candy) Swanson, of Bradford, and Robert G. (Colleen) Swanson, of Punxsutawney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant brother, James C. Swanson.

Family will be receiving friends on Monday, June 11, 2018, from 4:00 to 6:00pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes., Inc, 372 East Main Street. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to McKean County SPCA, PO Box 113 Bradford, PA 16701.

On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

My condolences to Bill''s family. He always greeted me with a smile.
— Brian Vecellio

Billy & Family we are so sorry to hear of your passing. We were old time friends. Way back in the Charlie''s Tiger''s softball days. Great memories my friend. I will always remember you.
— Mike & Sally Sposato

Beth, So sorry for your loss.
— Laura Patrick Graham

So sorry for your loss. I knew Bill from many years ago when I worked for the phone company in Bradford.
— Linda Barrile

Brenda and Brian, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers along with the rest of your family, Susie
— Sue Pascarella

Like Steph, I haven''t seen Bill in a long time. I first heard he was ill on June 3 when I had opportunity to see Bob (Boz) for the first time in years. So sad the life gets too busy and we lose contact with each other. The Swanson family was always close until the passing of my mom, Aunt Joy''s sister. Time and distance separate us but my love for all the Swansons has remained. Sorry for the loss you all have incurred. May the dear memories you have bring smiles to your faces in the days ahead. God Bless.
— Phil Vaughn

Brenda & Jimmy, my thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time, as well as Brian and his family. Prayers to all of you!
— Cathy Rouff

Bill was a neighbor and we grew up playing a lot of sports. He was a great guy and I know he is resting at peace.
— David Hale

So sorry for your loss! Thinking of you,Beth.
— SHARON M YORK

Beth & Family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss, My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone!...????...
— Terri Carty

My cousin, Phillip Vaughn, notified me yesterday morning about Billy''s passing and last night he sent me the link to his obituary. I sat on the porch last night and golfed this morning-the whole time thinking about the cousin I never really knew. But I remember him! Billy arrived at LAX straight from Vietnam and my family picked him up at the airport. I was a sophomore in high school at the time. There was a lot of anti-war sentiment at the time, including myself. I remember seeing my redheaded cousin walking towards us in the airport. He was wearing lime green pinstriped bellbottoms and a line green shirt. And a big smile. He was very buffed and quite a gentleman! I recall feeling relief that he was not in uniform, and now I''m ashamed for that feeling. I spent a few days in Bradford about 3 years later, staying with Billy and his family. Unfortunately, I never saw him again. I am so proud of my cousin, the serviceman. I know that he is with my Aunt Joy and Uncle John right now and that I will see him again. Rest well soldier! ?
— Stephanie Wolfe Carraher

Brian and family - sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ceil and Nick
— Ceceil Magoon

Brenda, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Please accept my condolences and know that I will be sending you warm thoughts. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Hugs to you and all your family.
— Tina Gardner

So sorry for your loss Beth
— Shelly wheeler

Condolences

  • My condolences to Bill''s family. He always greeted me with a smile.

    — Brian Vecellio
  • Billy & Family we are so sorry to hear of your passing. We were old time friends. Way back in the Charlie''s Tiger''s softball days. Great memories my friend. I will always remember you.

    — Mike & Sally Sposato
  • Beth, So sorry for your loss.

    — Laura Patrick Graham
  • So sorry for your loss. I knew Bill from many years ago when I worked for the phone company in Bradford.

    — Linda Barrile
  • Brenda and Brian, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers along with the rest of your family, Susie

    — Sue Pascarella