Michael “Mike” J. Swift, Sr., age 82, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2021 as the result of a motorcycle accident.
He was born on December 6, 1938, to the late John “Jack” Swift and the late Kathryn DelConte in Kenosha, WI. Mike graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1956. After graduation he proudly served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in1962. During his time in the Navy, he was a Submariner on the USS Sea Leopard. After his active duty, he continued to serve in the US Navy Reserve for an additional two years.
When Mike returned to Kenosha after his service to his country, he owned a landscaping business. After that he worked as a long shore-man and operations manager at the Port of Kenosha for 25 years.
During that time, he met Jeannine K. Fontaine, and they were eventually married. During their marriage, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Michelle and Michael.
Mike and Jeannine’s marriage had ended, but Mike was able to meet the woman who eventually became his life partner, Joyce Mallo. Mike and Joyce were married May 21, 1983, and it was at that time his family grew with the addition of Joyce’s daughters Shelly and Anna.
Mike left the Port of Kenosha and pursued a career within the City of Kenosha, holding various positions with the Public Works Department. Mike developed many friendships throughout his years with Public Works, eventually retiring from the Kenosha Street Department in 2003.
After his retirement, Mike enjoyed his free time to do the things he enjoyed. He had a variety of hobbies such as golfing, tennis, singing in several community choirs, and most of all, riding his motorcycle.
Mike and Joyce enjoyed their time traveling together, hosting small dinner parties with friends and traveling.
He maintained a strong bond with fellow veterans and enjoyed monthly rides to various destinations for meals and stories. As a proud veteran, Mike participated with other members from the US Navy, and they constructed a replica of a submarine. They toured various 4th of July parades to honor current and former Submariners.
Mike never missed time with family, especially holidays and birthdays and sporting events in which his grandchildren participated. He enjoyed watching his family grow and listening to his grandchildren’s life experiences. He also enjoyed sharing his experience with them.
Mike is survived by his lovely wife, Joyce; his daughter, Michele (Joe) Swift-Grasso; his son, Michael (Ursula) Swift; two stepdaughters, Anna Mallo and Shelly (Henry) Fanelle; and his sister, Nancee (Paul) Perry. Mike also leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Kori Grasso, Kayleigh Grasso, Jonathan Swift, Sabrina Stacy, Amy Rendon, Mercedes Alvarez, Jordan Alvarez, Aaron Swift, Curtiz Garza, Derek Garza, Aaron Garza and Racquel Powell. Mike was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren; as well as his niece, Kathryn Perry; his nephew, Dante Perry; and many loving cousins and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Swift and his mother and stepfather, Kathryn and Joseph “Yuzzey” Vaicelunas.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 for a visitation from 10:00AM until 12:00PM. A service celebrating his life will follow at 12:00PM, with Rev. Jonathan Barker officiating. His service will conclude with military honors. A private interment will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made in Mike’s memory to: SWVM Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI 53182 (phone: 262-878-5660; website: dva.wi.gov). If donating online, on their web site you will find a tab labeled “Donation Program.”
https://www.draeger-langendorf.com/obituaries/michael-mike-j-swift-sr/