Byron A. Swett, 97, lifelong resident of Kennebunk, died Monday, March 14, 2016 at his home following a period of failing health.

Byron was born August 1, 1918 in Kennebunk, a son of Ezra Fuller and Gladys (Hatch) Swett.

He attended grammar school in W. Kennebunk and several different schools in New York, Virginia and Worcester, MA as his father worked on the railroad and travelled frequently.

In 1941 he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in North Africa, moving with the invasion forces into Italy and onto the Po Valley as a driver for his commanding officer, as well as supply trucks.

On November 3, 1946 he married the love of his life, Elaine (Towne) Swett and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before her passing in June of 2015.

Upon his discharge, he worked as a laster at Kesslen Shoe in Kennebunk, worked for the Alfond Family in their shoe factory, and began lobstering part time, hauling traps by hand. After moving up in boats, his third boat was the “Judith Lorraine”, which was the boat he used while he fished full time. In the winters he worked at Baum’s Boat Building Company and Brendze and Westor Boat Yard until they closed. He also drove oil trucks for several companies and worked at local post offices as a janitor part time.

Byron was part of massive effort to fight the fires of 1947 and ‘57, and then joined the Washington Hose Fire Co. in Lower Village, where he continued serving until present. He is a lifetime member of the Kennebunk Fire Department, member of the Kennebunk Fire Society and the American Legion.

He enjoyed collecting miniature vehicles, and travelling to Disney World, Baxter State Park and Moosehead Lake with Elaine.

Byron is predeceased by his wife Elaine Swett, who died June 5, 2015.

Survivors include his three daughters, Barbara E.S. Higgins (Earl H) of Gorham, Patricia J. Laroche (Albert) of Arundel and Charlene D. Davis (Barry H) of Kennebunkport grandchildren Chuck Sigler (Amanda), Casey Sigler (Karen), Andrea Guiliani (Benjamin), Lauren Perreault (Derrick), and Stephanie Himmler (Andrew); great grandchildren, Reed Sigler, Kora Lynn Sigler, Kate Petrin, Brianna Petrin, Brady Kaler, Adelynn Elaine Guiliani, Benjamin Guiliani, III and Gabriella Rose Guiliani; a brother Charles E. Swett (Lucy) of Kennebunk and a sister Margaret Oxley of Orland, ME, two brothers in law, Howard I. Towne (Anna May) of Claremont, CA and Theodore Towne (Charlotte) of North Berwick, ME; as well as many nieces, nephews, great niece and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Byron’s caregivers, Kathy, Bernice, Robin and Diane for their excellent care and compassion.

Visiting hours will be held 4 - 6 PM Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St. Kennebunk. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Kennebunk Baptist Church, Main St. Kennebunk. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery will take place on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 4 PM.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Byrons’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.