William N. "Bill" Swift, 75, Potsdam

POTSDAM - William N. “Bill” Swift, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024 at the United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Center, Canton.

Bill was born December 13, 1948 in Geneva, son of the late Oliver F. II and Ruth Elizabeth (Clark) Swift. He graduated from Rochester East High School and earned his BS in Chemistry in 1970 from Clarkson University and his MS in Chemistry/Secondary Education from SUNY Potsdam in 1972.

He married Joanne Naumann on June 10, 1972 in Plainview, NY. In college, Bill was inducted into Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity as part of the first pledge class of the Lambda Phi Epsilon chapter at Clarkson in 1968.
Bill was a huge Beatles fan, enjoyed the music of the 60's, and memorized music trivia for his work as a DJ on Clarkson Radio Station WNTC during college. In the 80’s, he was part of the Northern New York Commodore Home User Group. Other hobbies included photography, car repairs, and woodworking.

Bill was a CSEA Union member and representative, and worked for the Village of Potsdam for over 40 years.

In recent years, he was a member of the Seaway Parkinson's Coalition.
Scouting was pivotal to Bill's life, starting with his time as a Cub Scout in Rochester. In 1966, while he was part of Troop 60, he earned the rank of Eagle and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He was skilled at knot tying and fire building.

As an adult, he earned the District Award of Merit and was awarded the Silver Beaver. Bill savored his time at Camp Massawepie and Camp Portaferry, enjoyed camping in the winter, and doing the mile swim every summer.

He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, then as Scoutmaster, for Troop 77, with a total of 45 years spent Scouting over his lifetime.
He was most proud of the growth and accomplishments of the many boys in Troop 77 who grew into men of integrity and leadership.
Bill is survived by his wife Joanne, his daughter Suzy M. Clemens of Canton, and grandchildren Liam and Emma.

He was predeceased by his parents Oliver and Ruth; his brother Oliver F. Swift III; and his cats Pepper, Cecelia, and Willy Wonka.
Bill's family expresses their gratitude to the medical and support staff at United Helpers for their kindness and care during Bill's two years there.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Seymour Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 11 from 4-6 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Potsdam, on Saturday, September 28 at 11AM, with President Sam Tartakoff presiding; all are welcome. A private burial will follow at Bayside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Seaway Parkinson’s Coalition, c/o Rick Geiser–Treasurer, 11 Hillcrest Ave., Massena, NY 13662 or the American Alzheimer’s Association.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.