Marvin Thomas Swain

Marvin Thomas Swain, age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. He was born at home in Wilmington to Frederick Swain and Elsie Nichols Swain.

Marvin is survived by his brother Richard Allan Swain (Kathy) as well as his sister, Carolyn Swain; his children, Dennis, Cynthia Beane (Richard), and Beth Rodriguez; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth on the way; as well as cousins, nieces and nephews too numerous to list.

While in high school he met the love of his life, Betty Kauffman. They were married on May 19, 1956. Together they raised three children and shared a happy marriage for 68 years.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rodger, Rodger’s wife Alison, his brother David and two nephews, Robert and Donald Swain. His beloved wife, Betty, passed away November 2024.

Marvin graduated from Wilmington High School, class of ’55. After graduation, he was hired by the Diamond State Telephone Company. He continued working in the telephone industry with AT&T and Lucent Technologies retiring after 34 Years of service. After retirement, he worked on the telephone system at Star Enterprises for an additional 6 years.

A longtime member of the Methodist church while at Richardson Park United Methodist Church Marvin was an important part of a group called the Building Maintenance Group (BMG). These persons met each week for fellowship and maintenance projects around the church building and grounds. For many years, Marvin headed up this group. He was also an active member of the Koinonia Fellowship.

Marvin loved hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, traveling, and making things with his hands. This love led him to build a log cabin at Lake Raystown in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. This cabin is loved by his entire family.

An avid hunter, conservationist, and outdoorsman, he was involved in many organizations such as Brandywine 100 Rod and Gun Club, National Rifle Association, and Delaware State Sportsman Association and the National Wild Turkey Association.

A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held at Richardson Park United Methodist Church, 11 N. Maryland Avenue on September 22, 2026 at 11am . Friends may call 1 hr. before the service. In lieu of flowers donations in Marvin’s name can be made to Penn Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia.