William M. Swanson of Newtown died after a long illness on June 15, a month short of his 90th birthday, at the Norwood Hospital in Norwood, Mass., surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Danbury, on July 18, 1926, he graduated from Danbury High School, Arnold College in Bridgeport, and earned his master's in education from Bridgeport University. He was a proud Navy Veteran of World War II, serving as a radioman. After being discharged from the Navy, he began a long career in education.

Mr Swanson was the director of athletics and physical education teacher at Bethel High School for 40 years before retiring in 1992. He was a longtime member of the Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, the American Legion Post 100 in Bethel and the former director of the Danbury War Memorial.

Over the years he helped shape the lives of countless students in the Bethel School System and in honor of his many years of service to the community, the Bethel High School Gymnasium was recently named after him. He was also a recipient of the Danbury Old Timers Association Award and an inductee into the Bethel High School Hall of Fame.

He was a sports enthusiast and an avid fly fisherman, hunter and outdoors man.

Mr Swanson was a beloved husband for 58 years to Charleen M. (Steck); the father of W. Jon Swanson,of Charlestown, Mass., and Kirsten M. Fitzgerald, married to Brian, of Canton, Mass.; a brother of the late Olga Herring and George and Albert Swanson; a proud grandfather; and uncle.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, on Monday, June 20, 4 to 7 pm. The funeral mass and burial will take place in Canton, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr Swanson's memory to the Bethel High School Athletic Department 300 Whittlesey Drive, Bethel CT 06801.