Final Salute

William Raymond Swanson of Colchester, CT. left this world for a better place on March 9, 2025, in the home he built, on the street he built, in the development he built. Bill was surrounded with love as he transitioned, by his wife of 46 years, Augusta Gilberti, their children and spouses, Carissa and Joshua Novotny, Leah and Michael Cipollone, Billy and Jessica Swanson and his grandchildren, Mia and Gianna Novotny, Rocco, Gino and Marco Cipollone, Coralynn and Bodhi Swanson. His family brought him the greatest joy in this life.

Bill was born on March 14,1946 in Manchester, CT to Carl and Clara Swanson who raised 3 boys in love and with strong ethics. Bill grew up in Manchester and graduated from Manchester High School in 1964 and The Connecticut Carpenters Apprentice program in 1970. His passion for construction, skill with numbers and his hands would become his career. Bill worked as a union carpenter for many years and in the 1980s bought a large parcel of land “The Gustafson farm”. He subdivided it into building lots where he built many homes and eventually his own dream house. Bill was a perfectionist. There was one right way to do things… and it was his way.

Bill served in the United States Navy as a Seabee from 1966-1968. He served 2 tours in Vietnam, which had a significant impact on his life. His history as a Vietnam Vet fashioned much of who he was. He was diagnosed in 2021 with 2 types of cancer that were attributed to his contact with Agent Orange in the war. He was stoic in his end-of-life journey. He never complained of pain and was always “OK” per his assessment.

Bill lived by his rules. He did things the right way the first time, as he would tell you. Bill had a big heart especially for children, his own and the neighborhood. He loved bringing fries and candy to the neighborhood kids who nicknamed him “Mr. Bill” He was also a merciless teaser. Those blue eyes twinkled with the devil in them but all in good fun!

Bill’s spirit always lifted as he traveled to New Hampshire, his favorite place in the world where his family had vacationed since he was a small child and had a home. You could see him sigh in comfort once he reached the White Mountains. His family will spread his ashes on the land that he loved.

Bill and his wife are so proud of their children and grandchildren who worked as a team to support and cherish Bill throughout his life and especially during his long end journey.

The family would like to thank the Veterans Administration for providing amazing care and support to Bill and his family. Special thanks to Dr. Marc Tuttle, his primary care doctor for over 30 years, and Dr. Andrea Ruskin, head of Palliative Care at the VA in West Haven, who was the family’s go-to for any concern or issue and she never failed.

Bill was a man of simple tastes. He would want you to remember a fun story about him and smile. He will be honored in a private family military honor ceremony at his home. There will be a celebration this summer. “A Swanson Party” at the home he loved. Remember the twinkle in his eyes as he played a joke on you and smile. Those who loved him will be touched by the stories so please share your memories with them. Bill’s life was well lived.
Published in:Hartford Courant
from April 6, 2025