Carl "Jay" Swanson

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Carl "Jay" (CJay) Swanson, an accomplished man, husband, father, grandfather/Papa, brother, uncle and friend. Jay passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Sheriden Woods in Bristol. To all who knew him, Jay was a source of strength and courage, kindness and laughter, love and devotion; while his physical presence will be missed, his memory, spirit and joy for life will remain with us forever. Jay wished for his eyes to be donated so that the blind could see, along with all other organs and tissues that may be saved and for his body to be donated to research so that others may be able to live a healthier life. Jay was born at New Britain Hospital on August 1, 1941 son to the late Arvid Agnar and Marjorie Pauline (Wenz) Swanson. A graduate of E.C. Goodwin Technical High School, graduating in 1959, he proudly served his country from 1959 until 1970 in the United States Air Force, 96th Civil Engineering Squadron, achieving the profound rank of E-6 (T/Sgt) within the first 6 years of his enlistments. After being honorably discharged from the U.S.A.F. in 1970, he went into bookkeeping and accounting while learning the Interior Design profession. Jay started at Gertrude Williamson, Inc., in West Hartford, moving to the Jo LaFalce, Inc. at The Finishing Touch, in Canton, and then on as the Head Designer at The Terryville Furniture Store, in Terryville, until their closing. He worked on his own, both as an Interior Designer and Painter/paper hanger. His final workplace was as a Frame Shop Manager for Michaels Crafts and Framing, in Manchester, retiring in 2006. One of Jay's proudest accomplishments was as Cubmaster for Pack 433 at South Side School in Bristol from 1980 to 1982. Jay also enjoyed making "Hope & Love" blankets for the New Britain Cancer Center and all his great grandchildren. Jay leaves his loving wife, true love, best friend and dance partner, Helen (Palmgren) (Angelillo) Swanson, who gave selflessly of herself to provide Jay comfort during all their days together and in their 41 years of marriage. Besides his wife, Helen, he leaves two sons and daughters-in-law, Danny Lee Swanson (Roxanne) and Darin Lee Swanson (Katherine); his stepsons, Louis Angelillo, Jr. (Louise), Richard Angelillo, Tony Angelillo, Sr. (Sharon), John Angelillo (Louise) and David Angelillo, Sr. (Sandy). Jay's eldest son, David Lee Swanson, Sr., who is never forgotten and is always loved, died in 2008 and will be waiting for his dad upon arrival on the other side. Jay also leaves to celebrate his life his many grandchildren, whom he loved more than the world itself, Amanda Swanson Harvey (Dennis), Jessica Swanson, Darcie Goodwin, David Lee Swanson, Jr., Louis Angelillo III (Heather Walch), Matthew Angelillo (Kate), Emily Angelillo (Steve), Joshua Angelillo (Danielle), Anthony Angelillo, Jr. (A.J.), twins, Derek and Devin Angelillo, Nicole Branciforte (Jon), Danielle Angelillo, Brianna Bourlogiannis (Thanasi), David Angelillo, Jr. (Samantha), April Carr (Jon), Alex Carr, John Nunes (Laurie), and Samantha Nunes; his great-grandchildren, Jade and Joseph Harvey, Danny Brewer, Jason, Keith and Logan Nunes, Levi, Crosby, Tucker and Whitton Angelillo, Brooklyn and Elliana Branciforte, Louis Angelillo IV, Nimson and Jameson Carr, Matthew Angelillo, Jr., Spencer Mathieu, Ava Angelillo, Yanni, Iliana and Zeno Bourlogiannis, and Darian Bartlett; his two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Carlson and Beverly Swanson; and many nephews and nieces, along with his godchild, Catherine (Cinderella) Potter. In addition to his parents, Arvid and Marjorie Swanson, and his son, David Lee Swanson, Sr., Jay was predeceased by his twin brother, Charles Swanson, his brother, David Leonard Swanson, his brother-in-law, Robert Carlson, the mother of his sons, Joy (Anair) (Swanson) Levasseur, along with his grandparents, many aunts and uncles and numerous friends. Jay leaves these words for all: "ENJOY LIFE TO ITS FULLEST AND BE EXTRA KIND TO ONE ANOTHER AND SHOW 'LOVE AND BLESSINGS' TO ALL THOSE YOU MEET ALONG THE WAY." We never know when we will be called home to serve our Lord God.. There are no calling hours at Jay's adamant request. Please remember CJay with your happiest memories of him and keep laughing ALWAYS. In honor of Jay's service to our country in the U.S. Air Force, full military honors will be accorded on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11 AM at Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley Street, New Britain. Prayers and words of remembrance will also be shared. The staff at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville extend their gratitude to CJay's family for their trust. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl "Jay" Swanson, please visit our floral store.