Howard Swain

Howard Linden Swain (or Linden as he was called) of Georgetown passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 95. Linden was born and raised in Georgetown, being the son of T. Paul Swain and Mary Alice (Truitt) Swain. 

Linden enjoyed working from a young age. He was a carpenter and home builder for about thirty-nine years. That included working for Quillen's in Lewes, T. Paul Swain and Sons in Georgetown, Nelson T. Swain Building Supply in Georgetown, and R.M. Ingram Builders in Lewes. Next, he worked for about six years as a maintenance supervisor in the Harrison House and Milford Manor retirement homes. Finally, Linden worked in maintenance for the Delaware Technical and Community College (State of Delaware) for sixteen years, retiring at age seventy-seven in 2007. Linden loved people and being in the Delaware Tech environment rejuvenated him.

Linden and his wife Marie built and managed the Harrington Tastee Freez from 1965 until 1980. Many nights and weekends were spent by him at the Tastee Freez in addition to his day job. As with all of his workplaces, it was a labor of love.

For fun, Linden always enjoyed a road trip. It could be Lancaster, Williamsburg, Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains. It could be a boat trip to Tangier Island, Smith Island or Cape May. It could even be a day trip to Chincoteague, Lewes, Rehoboth, or Sharptown Carnival.

Linden's life was centered on his greatest love, his wife of seventy years, Marie, and his family which included children: Linda Sizemore (Chris), Howard Swain (Maria), and Paul Swain; grandchildren Luke Sizemore (Allison), Chelsea Sizemore (Matt Gibbons), Michael Swain, Daniel Swain (Steph); as well as great-grandchildren Liam, Alice, Charlotte, and Edison.

Linden was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Nelson T. Swain, and his wife Marie, who passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025.

There will be a viewing for both Linden and Marie Swain beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service starting at 12:00 PM on Saturday, February 8, 2025, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Inc., 609 East Market Street, Georgetown, Delaware. Burial will be in St. John's Church Cemetery, near Georgetown.

Those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers are invited to make memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriot's Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Georgetown EMS Station 93, 406 North Front Street, Georgetown, DE 19947.

Family and friends are invited to offer condolences to share with the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.