Dr. Paul Raymond Swann

Paul Raymond Swann, 74, of Niantic, died on October 21, 2011, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 16, 1937, in Washington, DC, the son of the late Sidney James Swann and Bennie G. Covington Swann.

Dr. Swann was an enthusiastic educator working at UCONN for 18 years first as assistant football coach, then as one of the first Student Athlete Academic Advi-sors. After receiving a doctorate in Higher Education Administration, he continued his passion for helping young men and women achieve their educational goals at Gateway Community College as Athletic Director & Director of Student Activities for seven years. His advice to students was, “keep your eyes on the prize,” meaning, you must work hard and the prize is receiving your college degree. Believing strongly in staying physically fit, he enjoyed his career as a basketball and baseball official for area Jr. colleges, and high schools. He was an avid fisherman and loved golf. Paul retired in 1999 after 25 years of service in the Connecticut education system. Retirement didn't stop him from teaching. He went on to substitute teach at East Lyme and Waterford High Schools until recruited by Dr. Mary Ellen Jukoski to be academic advisor at Mitchell College. After becoming ill in 2000, Paul retired from Mitchell College and was cared for at home by his loving family until one week before his death.

Paul graduated from Phelps High School in Washington, DC in 1956 and attended North Carolina A&T on a football scholarship. As quarterback, he led the Aggies to CIAA championship three of the four years as team leader. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree from A&T he pursued a career in professional football with the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts (oldest professional football team and league in North America, producing such famous quarterback like Doug Flutie).

Paul was inducted into the North Carolina A&T Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 for his sports achievements. He is pictured on the Hall of Fame wall with other great A&T graduates such as the late Dr. Ronald McNair astronaut who died when the space shuttle Challenger exploded, and his friend Reverend Jesse Jackson, who twice sought the Democratic Party nomination for President. Realizing that his calling was not professional sports, he returned to teaching and coaching in Greensboro, North Carolina. While pursuing his masters’ degree in physical education, he worked at

several high schools, Barbia-Scotia College and North Carolina Central University, eventually in 1973 led to his career and community involvement in Connecticut; immediately winning the Yankee Football Conference upon his arrival. Paul’s higher educational goals continued upon his arrival to Connecticut, obtaining a Phd in 1989. He proudly and humbly used this status to promote education and rid discrimination throughout Connecticut. In the late 70’s and early 80’s he served as Vice President of the State NAACP where he diligently traveled throughout the State to help form NAACP chapters. Under the direction of the Honorable Governor William O’Neill, he served on the first CT State Trooper’s Advisory Board. Paul was installed as President of the New Haven Lions Club in 1997 where he was most dedicated to the brotherhood and sisterhood of serving the sight needs and special needs for inner city youths and families. He was a very active member of his loving church, Niantic Community Church where he was a great mentor, usher and church committee supporter. Other commu-nity services included East Lyme Meals on Wheels with his friend Reverend Robert Morgan, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, life member Lawrence & Memorial Benefactors (LAMBS), and life member NAACP.

He is survived by his wife Verna White Swann, whom he married on February 14, 1988, at Niantic Community Church; his sons Paul Marlon Swann and his wife Collette of Irmo, SC, Kevin Burrell and his partner Karen Bryant of Waterford; his daughter Catrenna Burrell of Niantic and his sister Gladys Austin and her husband Dr. Kenneth Austin; his sister-in-law Dr. Sandra Swann, all of Washington, DC., sister in laws Sadie B. Rivers, of Niantic, CT and Rena K. Rosier and husband Eugene Rosier, of Suffolk, VA; brother-in-laws, John H. White, of Niantic, CT and Howard L. White, of New London, CT; loving mother-in-law Ophelia White, of Niantic, CT. In addition to his parents, he was pre deceased by his brother Sidney A. Swann and his sister Vaughn B. Byers. Also grieving Dr. Swann is his loving caregiver of seven years David Willox, of New London, CT, Terry Murach, of Stonington, CT; Lori Baldwin, of New London, CT; Deborah Dozier, of New London, CT and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and other relatives and friends.

Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship, PO Box 1308, New London, CT 06320 or to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Development Special Needs Fund, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320 or Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360

A funeral service will be held on Thursday October 27th at 11 am in Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Niantic. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 6-8pm at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic.