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Paul Swords Obituary
Paul Stewart Swords, age 76, beloved husband of the late Agnes McCourt Swords, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2012 at Connecticut Hospice. Mr. Swords was a retired mathematics teacher from the Stratford School System. He served as the mathematics and science coordinator at Wooster Junior High School for several years before completing his teaching years at Stratford High School. Paul will be long remembered for the many hours of after school tutoring and the numerous house calls he made to students who were medically unable to attend class. Mr. Swords served in the U.S Army during the Korean conflict before he graduated from Southern Connecticut State University. He received his Master's Degree and Sixth Year Certificate from Bridgeport University. Paul was actively involved in high school and college sports officiating. He was a member of the E.C.A.C. for forty years where he umpired numerous NCAA Regional Tournaments. Mr. Swords was selected to work at the College World Series. Paul was a substitute umpire in the Eastern AA League and umpired spring training games when he lived in Florida. Mr. Swords was a high school umpire for 53 years and served as the Connecticut State Board of Approved Baseball Umpires secretary/treasurer for twenty years. Mr. Swords' major goal was to have every local chapter throughout the state treated equally and to always do what was best for high school baseball. Paul received numerous awards for dedication, recognition, and achievement including the Umpire of the Year Award from the Connecticut High School Baseball Coaches Association and the New Haven Diamond Club plus a West Haven Twi-light League Gold Bat Award. Bunnell High School Stratford named their annual baseball sportsmanship award in his honor. At the local level he served several years as the secretary/treasurer for the Fairfield County Chapter of Approved Baseball umpires. He is survived by his brother Bill of Niantic, a niece Lisabeth Swords of Wallingford, a nephew Will Swords of Florida, a niece Carolyn Chambess of Wakefield, RI and three grand nephews and a grandniece. A private memorial service will be held for family members. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Crohn's Foundation P.O. Box 18531, Hamden, CT 06518.Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home 2220 Main Street Stratford. To celebrate a life, please visit us at www.galellofuneralhome.com.
- A Legacy of Compassion -
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Swords
Kurt Katona
November 9, 2017
My all-time favorite teacher I didn't hear of his passing until our 25th reunion in 2016. I moved away after High School and really wish I had a time or two to see him before he passed to tell him thank you.
Laura (Kollar) Bashar
October 25, 2012
I know my condolences are a month late but I didn't want another day to go by without saying that your Uncle was a fantastic teacher. He was my math teacher at Wooster Jr High, and though it was so long ago, I can truly say that Mr. Swords was one of my favorite teachers. As others have mentioned, he had a true gift to educate not only what was in the text book. His memory as a wonderful person and teacher will be with so many that were blessed to know him. Thank you Mr. Sword for being the best teacher to me and many others. May God Bless you and may your nieces find comfort in knowing the legacy that you have left in Stratford.
Daryl Guberman
October 18, 2012
I shall always miss u
DARYL GUBERMAN
October 18, 2012
I would make it a point to meet Mr Swords at least 1 every 1 or 2 months for breakfast, he was my 7 and 9 grade teacher at Wooster. My favorite martian was what we would call him lovingly. He would always say " being a good human being is more important than the most advance equation". He in the truest sense of the word was one of the finest math teachers in Stratford btw my 12 yrs of education graduating in 1981 from Stratford Highschool. I can never say good bye.. But I can say that I loved you for the young man you assisted in becoming a finer human being adding to the clay that my parents formed Sylvia and Maury Guberman. I am forever grateful for adding a sharpness to my sword of life...
DARYL GUBERMAN-PRESIDENT
GUBERMAN-PMC,LLC
www.dguberman.com
Charles Kochan Jr MD
October 4, 2012
I also am one of Mr Swords' grateful students who learned the beauty of mathematics from him, and I recall his engaging smile and kind disposition. Being in Junior High is tough enough but teachers like Mr Swords made it possible. Dr Kochan.
Lee Kellogg
October 2, 2012
Condolences to the Swords family. Mr. Swords was a good teacher at Wooster Jr High. A real nice guy who cared about his students.
Stephen Chirsky
September 30, 2012
Mr. Swords was an awesome teacher at Wooster and a great umpire. Always loved it when he was behind the plate because he was the best and I knew there would be no arguments.
Maria Papa
September 30, 2012
I did not know your uncle but what you have told me about him , he touch many hearts and he was a loving man. Reading all the guest book messages I wish I did have the chance to meet him. I know you loved him very much and he gave you love back. Your uncle was lucky to have a great niece like you to care for him as you did. I know you will miss him so much , as family is important and he was all you had beside your children that loved you. He taught you to do the right thing in life and you are a good person. Who ever does not know this it is their loss. Your uncles good words to you and lesson will always be with you.
Sarah Pihonak
September 29, 2012
My condolences to Mr. Sword's family. He was truly a devoted teacher, and genuinely cared about his students.
Judy & Renay Bello
September 29, 2012
We were very saddened to learn of Mr. Sword's premature passing. Very few teachers from HS stand out in your mind, but he was certainly one of the good guys.
He was a tutor to my sister when she struggled with Geometry, and helped her understand it and pass the course.
We didn't realize the honors that Bunnell bestowed upon him, but they were well deserved.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Kathy Berke
September 29, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Sword's family. He was a great teacher and always made learning fun. I will always remember him fondly.
Judi Slauson
September 29, 2012
I had Mr. Swords through middle and High School great teacher even when I didn`t get it. Love the stories he would tell and his is right I do use math everyday! You will be miss Mr. Swords. You were an awesome teacher!
Monica Robinson
September 28, 2012
Mr. Swords was my geometry teacher in 10th grade and was always there for me if I needed help, he was a wonderful man.
Drew Talbot
September 28, 2012
Mr. Swords was a gifted educator and wonderful person. I was among the many lucky attendees of the Paul Swords after dinner program for the mathematically challenged. His infinite patience coupled with his engaging style and quick wit made learning from him a pleasure. Thanks for the "B" Mr. Swords. You were one of the best.
Bonnie Wirth
September 28, 2012
Mr. Swords was my Algebra teacher at Stratford high School, and if it werent for him I would not have passed that class.... He was a great man, and so funny... I have many fond memories of him.. RIP Mr. Swords...My condolences to his family at this time of sorrow...
dan hornyak
September 28, 2012
may you enjoy your new life in heaven
Cathy Petriw
September 28, 2012
I am extremely saddened by the news. Paul was a very friendly, welcoming and helpful neighbor. There weren't too many days that you wouldn't see him outside gardening. He always had the best advice when it came to working in the yard. My deepest sympathy to Paul's family and friends. I was very lucky to know him.
Dan Petriw
September 28, 2012
Paul was an amazing neighbor and an even better person. He left an impression on me that I will never forget.
Tom Tinari
September 28, 2012
I enjoyed his enthusiasm and energy he brought to teaching. If only all teachers could bring that much excitement to Geometry, the world would be a better place.
Michael Augusztin
September 28, 2012
Rest in Peace Mr. Swords .You were a good neighbor & better friend. From you teaching me 8th grade math to you showing so much patience with my daughters.you be sorely missed around here. God bless you & your family
Thomas Tompkins
September 28, 2012
Great teacher and better human being, He will be missed.
Chris Barbee
September 28, 2012
RIP Mr. Swords. We all learned so much more than Geometry and Algebra from you. You left a lasting impression on so many. Stratford lost an icon. My thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family.
Christin Campbell
September 28, 2012
To our old neighbor in Stratford, Rest in Peace. You were a wonderful man and neighbor. We enjoyed living next to you for 10 years!
Sincerely,
The Campbell Family
arnie mann
September 28, 2012
paul was a very fine person -honest - wanted to do the right thing-be fair to all- it was an honor to have known him and to have worked on the field with him
Moe Scioletti
September 28, 2012
The world lost a great person. Mr. Swords was was what was right, here in the town of Stratford.
Mike Augusztin
September 28, 2012
Paul ,will be sorely missed. I've known you since you were my 8th grade teacher .you were a great neighbor and friend to my children . You took your teaching skills and always listened to my daughters..especially Michaela.I know you are in a better place now. enjoy your time with your wife, I know you missed her tremendously. Also don't forget to say hi to my mom. God Bless you & your family
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