Obituary of Parker L. Swan, Sr.

Our beloved Pop, dad, grandfather, and great grandfather, Parker Swan, Sr passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016. He was 89 and husband to the late Shirley Swan. Parker was born in Lowell, Mass, son of Russell and Ruth Swan. Parker was always proud to say he served as a Marine and worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for 34 years. Pop will be missed by his daughter, Deborah Downing and husband Rick, his son Parker Swan, Jr and wife Valerie; his grandsons Andy Downing and wife Devon, Matt Downing and wife Heather, and his granddaughter, Alexa Swan. Pop also had 4 great grandchildren. As many know, Shirley and his family were his first love with sports being his second love. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan long before they won championships!

Parker not only enjoyed watching sports but playing sports. Parker is well known (by friends and family) for having pitched batting practice at Fenway to the Red Sox in 1945 but not able to continue, due to his entering the service as a Marine. After the service he pitched in the major league farm systems for the Athletics and Braves. His claim to fame is that he pitched to Hank Aaron when Hank first started and did not give up a home run to him! He then pitched many years on the PW Twilight League Team. In addition to baseball, Parker’s sports history includes bowling a 299 and having 5 holes in one in golf.

In his long, rich life, he has met many wonderful friends through golf, playing pool, cards and traveling with his wife for many years to Hutchinson Island for the winters. Parker loved life and everyone loved him back! Parker was not only an athlete, but also enjoyed telling his life stories. He loved meeting new people just so he could tell his life stories all over again!

We give many thanks to Brookdale-Buckingham of Glastonbury for their care of Parker while giving guidance and support to his family during his last year of life, while suffering from Lewy Body Dementia. We also thank Vitas Healthcare for their care and support during the remaining days of his life. We could not have done it without them!

The family of Parker welcomes you to Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury on Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 4-7. At 6:00, we plan to have an informal service to share Parker stories. We know how he loved to tell his stories! Please wear your finest golf shirt or come casual. Yankee shirts are not allowed!

Burial will be private for family. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be mailed to his daughter or son, and will be given to a family in need of help, either for caregiving or experiencing hardship. For online condolences please visit www.mulryafh.com.