SOUTH PORTLAND — David A. Swanson, 64, of South Portland, died peacefully May 4 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Swanson was born July 12, 1948, in Portland, a son of Carl E. and Elizabeth J. Swanson. He was educated in South Portland schools and graduated from South Portland High School in 1967.

Swanson soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and proudly served his country for four years. In 1969, while a boatswain mate in the Vietnam War, he “crossed the line” – traveled across the equator – on a Navy ship, and so proudly became a “Shellback.”

Swanson worked as a sailmaker, and owned Custom Canvas in South Portland. He later was employed by Hannaford Bros., and retired from the company.

He was a longtime member of Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland. He also loved singing since the age of nine, and sang professionally at weddings, funerals and many private functions.

He is survived by his two brothers, Gene E. Swanson and his wife Jeanine, of South Portland, and Gary C. Swanson and his wife Sandra, of Westbrook; son David Anton Swanson and his wife Sorina, of Florida; significant other, Jody Bissonette, of South Portland; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was scheduled for 1 p.m., Friday, May 10, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.

The family gave special thanks to the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, the Maine Veterans’ Administration in Togus, Hospice of Southern Maine, and C.C. and Emily, his special caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, or to Portland Veterans’ Center, 475 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103.


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