Carl Franklin “Whitey” Swanson, Jr.
May 3, 1933 - November 10, 2021
Carl Franklin “Whitey” Swanson, Jr., age 88, of Townsend, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
Born in Wilmington, DE on May 3, 1933, he was a son of the late Carl Franklin and Myrtle (Tarbutton) Swanson, Sr. Whitey proudly served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. He then worked as a meter reader for the City of Newark for 30 years until his retirement. Whitey was an avid fisherman and crabber and loved tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. He also greatly enjoyed reading. Whitey especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Whitey was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Swanson; and sister, Delores Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Catherine Ann (DeRose) Swanson; children, Mark Anthony Swanson (Avis) and Shari Swanson Grubb (Wayne); sister, Barbara Fender; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 7 pm. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the Governor of Delaware. Interment will be held privately in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Whitey’s memory to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Ste 101, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
Jeff & Paula Green
So sorry for your loss Shari. Your father seemed like he was a wonderful man. I appreciate his service to our country protecting us for a better life. Your father left a great legacy.
Shara
Prayers for the whole family. And comfort knowing you will see him again one day
Joe DeRose
Uncle Carl introduced me to crabbing when I was just a little kid. We would drive for what seemed like hours in a little white chevy Corvair to the bay. That’s also when I found out the trunk of his car was in the front. He taught me all about how to net crabs and flip the net over the bushel basket we each had tied around our waste and floating in an innertube. Him and uncle John were knee high in the water, and I was up to my chest. As with most family we just don’t live close enough and have enough free time to get together often, but the realization of fond memories will always be with us. I’m so sorry for the loss my Aunt Catherine and her children are feeling, as well as the rest of the family and friends. RIP Uncle Carl, a legacy unmatched.
Vicki Bailey
My deepest condolences to you Cathy and the family. I pray the the many happy memories you all have help you to find solace during this most difficult time and all the days ahead till you meet again in Heaven. Love, Vicki
Judy Pernol
So sorry for your loss of your husband he was a good man
REBECCA Pernol
So sorry for your loss
Carol A Schneider
So sorry Cathy, Mark, and Shari and the Swanson family in the loss of Carl. He was a very special person. We will be praying for you .Let us know what we can do for you. Carol and Henry
Jacqueline Briscoe
So sorry for your loss I just seen it on Facebook may God continue to bless you and your family I am here for you any time Love you
Edna Cale
Cathy because I call myself a friend to you, I laugh when you laugh and morn when you morn. May God be kind to you during this difficult time.
Thinking of you in love at this sad time.
Edna and the ladies at “Curves”
Deborah Combs
Catherine I remember all the times you came into the office and his trying to give me a hard time just to make me laugh. Sorry for your loss he will be missed.
Lisa Koch
My sincerest sympathy to Cathy and her family. I’m sorry I never met the man that my son in law called his grandfather. Will be thinking of you in the coming days. Lisa