John Swift V
March 24, 1947 - May 26, 2024
In the early hours of Sunday, May 26, 2024, John Swift V, peacefully left this world in the comfort of his Hockessin home. His spirit of adventure, dedication to family, and passion for his life’s work will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Born into the Swift family on March 24, 1947, he was a son of the late Gladys Marie Swift and John Swift IV. John’s life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to both family and business. Before Swifts Pools, John and Bonnie opened a natural food store. It was before its time and was short-lived. In 1974, he co-founded Swift Pools with his father, a plunge that would become a family legacy of four generations. Together with his parents, wife, children, and grandchildren, they created not just pools but endless memories for countless families. Each pool symbolizes his life’s work, which he remained connected to even in retirement.
Beyond the shimmering waters of Swift Pools, John sought out adventure. Before settling down, John and Bonnie drove across the country in their VW bus, Fred. As an old hippie at heart, he embraced a free-spirited lifestyle that not only left a mark on everyone he met but also inspired them to live life to the fullest. His great love of photography allowed him to preserve these memories for years to come. John’s joy for life was evident as he fearlessly took on cyclists half his age. Alongside Bonnie, he sailed the Caribbean, finding comfort amidst the sea during the winter months. John shared captivating tales of his travels with everyone who would listen, but especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Constance Joan Nichols. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Swift; children, Hilary, Courtney, and Ethan (Lindsay Strosnider); and grandchildren, Connor, Emma, Bev, Mia, Lily, Ivy, and Ethan Jr.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 1 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice, extending John’s generosity and compassion.
Susanna C Jessup
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how important John was to your family. He was a good man. I know he will be missed but you will have so many great memories to share about him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gene Longo
Bonnie, so sorry for the loss to you and your family. Peace
Margi Traylor
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful friend John was. What happy and funny memories we have. Rest in peace John🙏🏻☮️
Lori Trainer
I’m so sad to see this! John was a wonderful man who I learned so much from and will always remember so fondly.
Condolences to his
Loving family!
Christopher Johnson
John, you and I have known each other long time. We have shared ups and downs grew of business that I’m proud to have been a part of when your son Ethan called me. I was devastated in my mind. You’re still 40 years old, riding your bike or sailing with your lovely wife bonnie. However, my fondest memories will be in your office. You busting my shoes every time we met teasing me all the time and that’s the way I took it to friends sharing life together. I will miss you and I promised Ethan that I would help your family out in anyway I can , I love you and I love your family. Please know that part of me is now also gone. It’s the part that you and I shared love Christopher Johnson.
Miriam Willis
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Just remembering all the good times & memories through all the stories of the things that your family did together! Good times deserve a lot of laughs and that there was a lot of. All the family that worked at the store & I got to know was fond memories for me. Just know I am thinking of all of you at this time . Leaving you with all my prayers!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Deborah & Frantz Dickerson
We are saddened by John’s death and send our love and prayers to you and your family.
Raynell Davis
I am so sad to hear of John’s pasting. I am very sorry for the family’s lost.He is with his dad,mom,sister,and many others in the Swift family but especially the Lord. I loved working at SwiftPools considering them family.John’s dedication to detail and perfection to all his pools is legendary.They all had to be perfect for the customers and him.He was an exceptional man.He is resting now after a job well done.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Lynn Roberts
RIP Johnny! I will always remember all our Swift/Neiger get together growing up. My prayers for Bonnie the children and grandchildren. Much love and prayers.
Amish Dave
The world lost a beautiful soul when John left us. He is missed and will be fondly remembered by everyone lucky enough to have known him.
Fair winds and following seas my dear friend!
Margaret Bartoli
My condolences to Bonnie and family for the loss of your husband and father. We always enjoyed chatting with John about pools and adventures. He built our pool in 1993 and it has brought endless joy. Please add my thoughts and prayers to the many you will receive. John was just a great guy.
Mike Hamilton
Bonnie and Family, my sincerest condolences on John’s passing. Always enjoyed our interactions and John’s efforts to make sure the customers were happy. I know you have many great memories and hope that will help get you through the sadness of his passing.
Alan Birmey
Bonnie, so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Today, after nearly 15 years away we decided to venture down to Sailing Associates where Patty told us the sad news. After my father’s passing in 2000 we bought your sailboat, we fell in love when we saw how meticulously you and John kept it and we knew the boat was perfect when we saw the name Solace and seeing that the definition was “the easing of grief”. May you find solace in the love of your family and friends, continually sharing memories of John.
Brad Korbel
John, we first met 30 years ago. I was new to the pool industry, and well, you reached out and invited me to meet at your store to inspect some not true to radii walls. Once there, you drove a piece of rebar into the ground and using a string scored out various radii. Some panels were fine, others we not true. You could read a tape measure to a 64th of an inch. I left feeling that if I could find a way to achieve the standard you could measure, my other customers limited to reading either an eight or a quarter inch limit would be equally pleased.
You became an important mentor and valued friend. Despite your encouragement, I never did get back on my bike. Thank you for being a very strong part of what continues to drive me to find a better way. Many a times I know in the back of my head I’ll hear your voice guiding me to provide the best in what I do and to always move with humility and grace.
Branch McQueen
John will be missed by all who knew him. Everything done as close to perfection was John’s life and he seemed to love it just that way. Happy sailing wherever you are!