VERGENNES — Raymond J. Swinton, “Pat,” died peacefully at the age of 99 at his home surrounded by family on Dec. 3, 2021. He was born March 26, 1922, in Bridport, Vt. He was the son of William Archie Swinton and Elizabeth McCray Swinton.

Pat graduated from Middlebury High School, Class of 1940. A few years after graduation he enlisted in the Army AirCorps, serving during World War II in the Pacific Arena, especially the Philippines. His primary duty was as an airplane mechanic. After the war he married Helen Barrows, settling in Vergennes.

Pat was a dedicated husband, loving father, and “Pa” was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He had simple values that carried him through his life.

Pat worked at Simmonds Precision, a defense plant in Vergennes, for most of his career, retiring in 1985. The various positions he held were inspector, leadman, soldering teacher and working on all the numerous space programs from the Saturn Project up to the Space Shuttle. Pat was a lifelong member of the Vergennes American Legion, Post 14, since leaving the military in 1945. In the 1960s a group of WWII veterans, including Pat, worked diligently to establish a strong Legion by organizing bingo, dinners, and dances to make it a financially solid club. Serving as Commander he continued the endeavor. Later on he was an active member of a group who envisioned a community pool. Once again his vision was successful and the community got the Sam Fishman pool.

Early in his marriage Pat and Helen started a bait and tackle shop. His evenings were often spent making fishing lures called the “Grabber”. This hobby continued even after he retired from the business.

He loved to read and do crossword puzzles along with stamp and coin collecting, which he had done since he was a small child.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and his brothers, Waldo Swinton and Lyndon “Mike” Swinton. He leaves his three daughters, Kitty Muzzy (Lou) of Vergennes, Constance Swinton (Richard) of Vergennes, and Jayne Saltus (Tom); five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

As a family we wish to thank all those special caregivers and doctors who cared for our father.

There will be a graveside service in the spring. Those who wish to remember Pat in a special way may make donations to the Vermont Veterans’ Home, 325 North St., Bennington, VT 05201, or Addison County Home Health & Hospice, 254 Ethan Allen Hwy., New Haven, VT 05472.

To send online condolences to his family please visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.◊