Francis Cecil Swann - Obituary

rancis Cecil Swann died at 94 on Saturday May 31, 2025. Francis was born May 23, 1931 to Martin William and Mae G Purdy Swann. His father died when he was 10 months and his mother died 3 years later. Francis & his older brother Martin were raised by his Aunt and Uncle Dora (Swann) and Jimmy Stakem, along with his cousins Jimmy, Johnny & Mary Ellen. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955 serving on the the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Roosevelt. Francis worked for Bell South/C&P telephone for 40 years. Growing up he attended St Francis Xavier parish in DC. As an adult, he joined Saint Bernadine of Siena. At Saint Bernadine‘s he was an active parishioner serving as a lector, an usher, an altar server at funerals, if needed. He assisted with the food pantry and helped count the weekly collections. He also provided transportation for many parishioners to get to Mass and medical appointments. Francis was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. He was a constant presence at the home of Jimmy, Dora & Mary Ellen, and was dedicated to taking care of them as they grew older. He enjoyed boating, fishing, time with family, and especially trips & time spent with his beloved brother Marty & his family. Over the last 15 years Uncle Cecil and his Cousin & Godson Joe really enjoyed taking trips to Abington VA to visit his brother Marty and the extended Swann family..taking hikes, playing cards and enjoying family in the beautiful farmland & countryside! Francis was a quiet and humble man, dedicated to his Catholic faith, to his family, to his friends & acquaintances. He put his faith into action and was an amazing example to us on so many levels. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Francis Cecil Swann! Francis was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Mae Swann, his brother, Martin W Swann, his cousins James F Stakem Jr, John P Stakem, Mary Ellen Stakem, Edith K Stakem, Thomas A Stakem, Michael Miracle and niece Tammy Swann. Francis is survived by his sister-in-law Lois Swann, his nephews Martin Swann and Michael Swann, his niece Valerie (Tim) Swann Caudell. He is also survived by his cousin/sister-in-law Joan Stakem and the the children of his cousins Jimmy & Johnny who knew & lived him as their Uncle - Maggi (Ron) Hohenstein, Jamie Stakem, Joseph Stakem, Katie Miracle, Terri (Tony) Pla, John (Susie) Stakem, Christopher (Marianne) Stakem, Mary (Stephen) Crane, Kathleen (Troy) Miller, Tim (Cari) Stakem and Stephen Stakem and a host of great-nieces & nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to Francis Cecil's Life Celebration at St. Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church, 2400 Brooks Dr., Hillcrest Heights, MD 20746 on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Ave., Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746.