Robert J. Swain, 80
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Robert Joseph Swain, 80, of 106 Bonair Ave. died Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at Kindred Hospital in Springfield.
Born in New Bedford on Nov. 28, 1929, son of Robert and Helen Goss Swain, he graduated from New Bedford High School and obtained his bachelor of arts degree in education from North Adams State College.
He was a veteran of the Air Force, serving as a staff sergeant.
Mr. Swain taught fourth grade at Williamstown Elementary School for 31 years, retiring in 1991. He started his long career in teaching at Gabriel Abbott School in the town of Florida and later at Readsboro (Vt.) and Clarksburg elementary schools.
He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth's Church and loved gardening. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Northern Berkshire Retired Men's Club and its bowling league. He was a member of Waubeeka Golf Links in Williamstown and the Greylock Community Club.
He and his wife, the former Carol Murphy, were married April 18, 1960, in the former St. Francis' Church.
Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Karen Bassage and her husband, Lance, of Stanfordville, N.Y.; a son, Michael Swain of Greenfield; two sisters, Anne Swain of New Bedford and Sheila Lopes of Acushnet; three brothers, Gerald Swain of Long Island, N.Y., and Paul Swain and Douglas Swain, both of New Bedford, and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and friends.
He was predeceased by his sister Mary Murphy and brother Donald Swain
FUNERAL NOTICE — Funeral services for Mr. Swain take place Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 9:15 from Flynn & Dagnoli- Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Memorial Donations are suggested for the Berkshire Humane Society or the North Adams Public Library through the funeral home.