William "Bill" Mac Swiney, Jr.

William "Bill" Mac Swiney, Jr., 88, of Simsbury, Connecticut and Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2017. Born in Chicago, Bill was the son of William S. and Helen (Knecht) Mac Swiney. He was also the beloved husband of his first and only true love, the late Joan (Klassen) Mac Swiney. Bill met Joan when he was 15 years old and they became devoted sweethearts ever since. Following high school, Bill worked at several jobs for a couple of years before pursuing his collegiate studies at Farleigh-Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey—all while working and helping raise his family during the day. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and soon after was hired by General Adjustment Bureau in New York City. He later worked for the Traveler's Insurance Company in Hartford for over 18 years prior to his retirement. Bill always dreamed of retiring in Florida, and he was fortunate enough to turn that dream into reality. He and Joan built a beautiful home in Venice and enjoyed many wonderful years there. Bill was an active member of the Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church; he appreciated the friends he made as part of the Men's Club and aided the church in its bookkeeping. Bill was a kind, generous, and fun-loving spirit that drew in everyone who knew him. He had a great ability to work with his hands and fix just about anything, including house projects and cars. He was also a very talented swimmer and ice skater, and his family always enjoyed seeing his happiness in these carefree activities. Bill was a truly remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, with a tender sense of humor and compassion that will be forever loved and appreciated. Bill is survived by his son, William M. Mac Swiney and his partner Amour of Redwood Shores, CA; his daughter, Carol M. Galbraith of Avon, CT; his grandchildren, Chris, Robert, Alison, and Caitlin; and his great-grandchildren, Irelin, Liam, Oliver, and Mabel. A funeral service for Bill will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Friday, January 20 at the Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church in Nokomis. Guests are asked to please go directly to the church in the morning. Burial will follow at the Jesse Knight Cemetery in Nokomis. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's honor may be made to the Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church, 208 Palm Ave., Nokomis, FL 34275, or to VITAS Hospice, 628 Hebron Ave., Ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033.

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William "Bill" Mac Swiney, Jr.

January 15, 2017