William George Swanton , May 22, 1949 — May 22, 2018

William (Bill) George Swanton of Biddeford slipped quietly into the next world at Hyder Family Hospice House on Tues, May 22. In true Bill form, he chose to leave on this 69th birthday. Bill was the oldest of three sons.

He was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Long Island. The family moved to Maine in 1966. Bill graduated from Biddeford High School and received his degree in Electronic Engineering from SMVTI.

He was a member of the IBEW and later became a master electrician. During his 25 years with E.S. Boulos, he worked at Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant as the electrical superintendent. He was instrumental in the construction of the National Semiconductor facility in South Portland, which was later sold to Texas Instruments–from where he retired in 2014.

Bill volunteered at the Biddeford and Biddeford Pool Fire Departments for many years. One of his many valuable contributions for BPFD was the development of a battery-backup generator for keeping the fire trucks charged when the power went out. He also refurbished a fire truck that was later donated to the residents of Long Island, ME.

Fireworks were always an important part of any milestone celebration, and Bill found creative ways to surprise friends and family–including setting off fireworks with his PC and garage door opener. Bill loved to travel and usually did so with a close group of friends. Everyone enjoyed his narrative about the “events of the day”.

Bill was also a movie buff and was often heard quoting lines from his favorite movies. Bill is predeceased by his father and mother, William Sr. and Margaret Swanton. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty; stepdaughter, Nicole Nelson, her husband Jake, and grandchildren, Ella, Luke and Evan; two brothers and their wives, Roger and Marcia of Fairport, NY, and Mike and Susan of Biddeford; and many loving extended family members.

Bill loved being a grandfather and doing projects with and for his grandchildren. It didn’t matter what it was if it was broken the grandkids would always say “Grandpa can fix it”. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Salvation Army at Salvationarmyusa.org the Old Orchard Chapter or the Biddeford Pool Volunteer Fire Department.

Remember Bill by one of his favorite movie quotes, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship”. Calling hours will be at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street in Biddeford on Thursday, May 31, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. To express condolences on line please visit www. hopememorialchapel.com .

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