Leonard H. Swanton

Waltham - Retired Waltham Fire Department Captain Leonard H. Swanton, of Waltham, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at his home. He was 77. Len was born in Waltham on June 12, 1932, a son of the late Leonard J. and Doris (Hills) Swanton, and had been a lifelong resident. Lenny's wife of 47 years, Louise A. (McHugh) Swanton died June 28, 2004. After graduating from Waltham High School Len joined the United States Navy where he served aboard the U.S.S. Stoddard, a 'Fletcher class' destroyer during the Korean War. Len was appointed a firefighter with the Waltham Fire Department on October 18, 1959. He was promoted to Lieutenant on July, 9 1978 and to Captain on March 26, 1983, a position he held until his retirement ten years later. He served most of his career at 'Central Station' on Lexington Street as the captain aboard Ladder 1. Len also worked for many years as a truck driver for Harvey Industries in Waltham and was hired as the company's first employee. He and his family spent many happy days at their summer home in Harwich where Len enjoyed sailing his Sunfish on Long Pond. He was also a longtime participant with the Cape Cod Old Timer's Softball League. Len also enjoyed cycling along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, walking, fishing and reading. He leaves his children, Patti Caira and her husband, Edward, Joyce A. Pilicy and her husband, Paul, all of Waltham, Janet M. I'Aboni and her husband, James, of South Portland, Maine, Beverly J. Goodwin and her husband, Daniel, of Waltham, Carole A. Knox and her husband, Greg, of Framingham, Leonard E. Swanton of Andover, Waltham Firefighter William G. Swanton of Acton, James T. Swanton and his wife, Jennifer, and John J. Swanton, all of Framingham. Len was also the loving Grampy of Taryn, Rebecca, Jason, Kelly, Lisa, Erin, Melissa, Paul, Luke, Daniel, Emily, Monica, Joseph, Abigail, Thomas, Kathleen, Allison and Samantha and great-Grampy of Mathew and Nolan. He also leaves his devoted caregiver, Mary Mensah of Worcester and many nieces and nephews. Len was the brother of the late Jean Mangan. Family and friends will honor and remember Len's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning in Christ Church, 750 Main Street, Waltham when his funeral service will be celebrated. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. Memorial donations may be made to the Waltham Fire Fighters Welfare and Relief Association, 175 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452.