Donald Rodger Swain
Donald Rodger Swain passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Donald graduated from Conrad High School class of 1969. He began his working career as a drywall installer alongside his father and brothers. Donald later worked as a research technician and hazmat responder, retiring from the DuPont Experimental Station. He served his country as a Delaware Army National Guard aviator for over 40 years. One of his greatest joys was flying in a Huey helicopter and serving with his fellow guardsmen.
Donald was a kind and gentle man, known for always seeking the good in others. He taught his daughters that even on our worst days, something positive could be found—whether it was a moment of gratitude, a lesson learned, or a bright spot in our lives. He cherished his family, especially his beloved wife, Mary Ann, whom he affectionately called his “Brown Eyed Girl.” Together, they enjoyed spending time at home and at the beach, creating countless memories.
Donald had a sweet tooth, particularly for ice cream, and loved cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. He was known for his adorable rendition of the Eagles Fight Song, bringing smiles to everyone around him. As a father, he was always ready to lend a helping hand, offering words of encouragement and wise advice. His grandchildren fondly remember him for his love of helicopters and his famous sticky buns, a cherished recipe passed down from his grandmother. Even in his later years, while receiving care in a facility, Donald continued to bring joy to those around him by singing to the nurses and aides, showcasing his gentle spirit. His kindness and warmth will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Donald is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Ann; daughters, Terry Wilmore and Stacey Brown (Jesse); siblings, Dana (Patti), David (Drew), Dawn Taylor (Dennis) and Dean (Roxanne); grandchildren, Aaron, Tyler, Zoe, Macey and Tory; and beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Rodger and Alison Swain; and son-in-law, Ronald Wilmore, Jr.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of New Castle Health & Rehab and AccentCare Hospice for their compassion and dedication.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A committal service will be held on 11 am on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or online by clicking here.
Erica Tarr
Uncle Don you will be missed. I am very grateful to have had you in our family. You brought joy to all of us. We love you.
John Shaw
Dear Swain family,
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We will always remember his kind and quiet manner, as well as, his hand stand and one armed push ups. He will be sorely missed.
Our condolences,
John and Janet Shaw
Dominick Cacciatore
To not like Don you don’t like ice cream. When I was assigned to fly with Don I knew it was going to be a learning experience. Don may you Rest In Peace .
Thomas Stombaugh
What a great guy! When you talked to Don, you knew that he was genuinely curious and engaged with you. Every interaction with him was warm and friendly. He was a great Crew Chief and I always enjoyed flying with him. He will be sorely missed!
Russ LaFon
My Dear Friend Don, you’ve left me behind with many great memories of our work life and also our extracurricular escapades through the years. Our Faith and my reality check says I’ll see ya relatively soon my Friend!
Jesse Laing
He was a good Instructor
Marty & Sue Jones
We remember Don as a kind engaging neighbor, who always took time to chat with my wife and me when we saw each other. He was always in a positive mood, brightening our day.
Truly a fine gentleman! May you Rest in Peace my friend!
Russ kilmer
I worked with Don at DuPont for 25 years and found him very hard working and wanted to do a good job . He was always in a good mood.
Sarah Smith
I will miss seeing Mr. Swain at our office. I have never met a kinder man. May Peace be with all who loved him.
David Trincia
My heart felt condolences to Maryann and siblings a great man that I served with for 21 years and will always be remembered in my heart.
Rest in peace buddy
Roger Shaw
Dear Don’s Family,
So sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed.
Ginny and Shaw
Sabriyah Wyatt
My deepest condolences to the Swain family in your time of bereavement. To Mrs. Swain, his children , and grand children. It was an honor to meet Mr. Swain . God bless your family 🙏🏾.
Eloise J Wilmore
To the entire Swain Family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Don was a very kind/gentle man. He was someone whom it was so easy to love and respect. I pray that the Lord will grant each of you His love and comfort during these times of sorrow.
Psalms 147:3
The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your cares on The Lord. He cares for you.
John Vassar
Donald Swain was a kind, professional, and diligent aircrew member, as well as a true friend. He always seemed to have an interesting piece of information, a helpful hint, sage advice, or a well-timed humorous story to share. Every encounter with Don was a benefit, and each time I saw him was a bright spot in my day.
My sincere condolences to all who feel his loss, and comfort in the hope that we will meet him again in Glory. Until then, Don, rest in the presence of the Lord.
Roger Swain
Dear Mary Ann:
Thanks for caring for Don during these very difficult last years. Don deserved the best and you were the best.
When I met Don so long ago we tried to make the connection since we were both “Swain”. You kidding me? I had 3 brothers from mom & dad, but now gained a 4th brother from the Guard. He was a gift from the very beginning of our flying times together.
I will miss my brother but he is not suffering now.
Joe Murphy
Dear Swain family,
Don was a great Conradian and fellow Guardsman (8 years together in Co B, 150th Avn Co). Always had a big smile on his face and never let anything bother him. You will be sorely missed by everyone who knew you.
RIP and God Bless.
Joe Murphy
Lori Trincia
I am so sorry for your loss, He will be missed by everyone. Mary Ann, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Alfred (Al.) Grimminger
Very sorry for your loss Mary Ann. It was a while since Don and I talked but when we did it was always a great time. If you recall, he was the one I put in charge of putting up the drywall in the CE Building of New Covenant Church years ago. He only let me cut one piece of drywall because the one I cut was off by 1/4 inch. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.