William James Swan

William James Swan 

Obituary

Aug 8 1936 to Jan 28 2026

What could I say about my father except that even superheroes must rest.

It has been such a blessing to be raised by a man who cared so effortlessly for everyone around him. William was always there regardless of work schedule or inconvenience. He made everyone feel special. He knew everyone's name regardless of their status. He loved being a trucker and worked tirelessly at his craft. It was a great honor for him to serve his community with the food he delivered everyday. He would not accept an award for a job well done. It was a great privilege to watch him choose to be baptised. He was a great story teller. Many times I would wonder what was taking him so long only to turn back and see he had acquired a crowd of listeners. He loved being born and raised in Clifton and chose to raise his own family here. When he was asked to help keep kids off drugs through education and poster contests of course he said yes. When he was asked to tie a zillion bows around trees for Clifton against substance abuse, he said yes. It was always yes. He stayed married to the same woman, Angela Swan, for 63 years. He is survived by his son, William Swan jr, and daughter, Kimberly Berthelsen, along with his son in-law, Brian Berthelsen, his only grandchild Brian Berthelsen Jr, and his brothers, Robert and Albert Swan. He is one of 13 brothers and sisters ( yes I said 13 ). His predeceased brother Lenny Swan was a fire fighter, as is Albert. The family would like to thank the Clifton Fire Dept for their continuous efforts in attending to our fathers needs through his most difficult of times. 

Memorial Visiting will be Saturday January 31st from 1-5pm with a Memorial Service to be held during the visitation at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Clifton Fire Department (make checks payable to "City of Clifton"), 880 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013.

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