BERNARD MARTIN SWANN
“Reds”
April 20, 1923 – January 23, 2012
Passed away on Monday, January 23, 2012. Beloved husband of Doris Kratz Swann for 57 years. Father of Dianne Swann Keilholtz, Stephen Swann, Bernard Swann Jr., Deborah Swann, Michael Swann, David Swann, Patrick Swann and Daniel Swann. Grandfather of Stacy Ann Swann, Melanie La Due Gorman, Alexander Stephen La Due, Stephen Andrew Keilholtz, Alexandra Knobel Swann, Kimberly Swann, Eric Swann, Stephanie Swann, Mary Katherine Swann, Zoe Carson Swann, Helen Swann and Susannah Swann. Great-grandfather of Laura La Due, Piper Kraske, Logan La Due, Cleo Kraske and Oliver Gorman. Brother of Anthony Swann, Laurence Swann, Phillip Swann, Regina Flecker and Kenneth Swann.
Reds carried with him the luck of the Irish and the love of many friends and family. He grew up in southern Maryland and in Washington DC on Capitol Hill. At 19 he enlisted in the Army and became a member of the 101st Airborne, and in basic training he quickly learned what he needed to know to become a paratrooper – he went up seven times before he landed in a plane. He went on to become a decorated World War II Veteran with three combat jumps at Sainte Mere Eglise (D Day), Eindhoven and Bastogne. For his service, he earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and three Purple Hearts. He was a husband first and always and raised his family in Adelphi MD. He loved the beach, fishing and eating crabs. He was an avid Redskins fan through the good years and not so good years, and was a season ticket holder from 1966 when they were playing at Griffith’s stadium. He and Doris loved to travel, play cards and entertain. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Knights of Columbus and the Elks club, and was a devout Catholic.
Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Wednesday, 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15661 Norbeck Blvd, Silver Spring, MD on Thursday, January 26 at 10 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850.
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