Robert Evan Swift

Robert E. Swift, age 86, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on September 16, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born February 1, 1933 to Evan Swift and Mary (Ascroft) Swift.Robert was married to the love of his life, the late Constance Gendreau for 45 years until her passing in 1999.Robert graduated from De La Salle in 1950, continuing his education at Lowell Institute of Technology (now UMass Lowell) for a degree in textiles then earning his masters degree in Textiles from the Institute of Technology in Charlottesville, VA.Robert had a successful career in the textile industry that all began as a teenager working in the mills of Fall River, continuing with 25 years at DuPont, and culminating with his position as the Executive Director for the Crafted with Pride in the USA Council, Inc.Swifty was loved and admired by all who met him for his generosity and integrity. He lived his life to the fullest, always putting his family first. He was always saying (ad nauseum-his words) how fortunate he was except for losing his wife at the age of 66. He often said how much he loved watching his children and grandchildren go through all of the experiences of life that he had enjoyed during his lifetime. He took great pleasure in watching the antics of his eight great-grandchildren.Robert had many hobbies including sailing, hunting, fishing, golf, tennis, and trapshooting and appreciated all aspects of nature. He was a true gift to this world and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.Besides losing his wife, he was predeceased by his daughter Lynn Shevlin (James) in 2018. He is survived by his daughters Laura Swift Oakley and her husband George of Middletown, Lisa Swift Mortenson and her husband John of Pawtucket, and Julie Swift Hallgring and her husband Harry of Little Compton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bryan Oakley (Julie), Matthew Oakley (Amy), Katie Shevlin Wright (Brian), Melissa Shevlin Wilson (Nick), David Mortenson (HongNgoc), Robert Mortenson (Maria), Natalie Mortenson, Mia Swift Hallgring, and Lily Swift Hallgring. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren.At his request, funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations should be made to the charity of your choice.The family wishes to acknowledge and thank everyone at Atria Aquidneck Place in Portsmouth for the outstanding care and love they have provided for the past 7 years. He truly appreciated all you did in every way and always spoke so highly of everyone there. Lastly, the family would like to thank the staffs of Newport Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital for their kindness, care, and compassion.