David Stewart Swinton

David Stewart Swinton, age 81, passed away April 30, 2023. He was born on December 10, 1941, in Auburn, New York to David William Swinton and Genevieve (Manfull) Swinton.  Dave also had a younger brother, Neil Swinton who was born on July 2, 1944.

He graduated from Purdue University in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  He worked for Automatic Valve for over 42 years from 1968 until his retirement in 2010, ending as Vice President of Engineering.  He was well known for his problem-solving skills and his attention to detail.  He also wrote operating systems for both AV and BCI, where Sharon worked.

David married his loving wife Sharon Callahan Zeleji, on July 20, 1985, in Plymouth, Michigan.  Love of sailing is what brought Dave and Sharon together. They raced their Flying Scott on Portage Lake.  Dave was probably a little more competitive than Sharon, so sometimes the racing was a little tense.

Dave will be remembered as a kind man with a big heart and lots of patience.He enjoyed reading, cross country and downhill skiing, golfing, bowling, euchre, and trivial pursuit (you wanted him on your team especially in the history category).   Most of all, Dave enjoyed traveling.   He and Sharon traveled extensively, both at home and abroad.  He was thrifty to a fault, but at the same time, extremely generous. Dave greatly enjoyed his grandkids and doing the infamous mystery trips. 

Dave was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed by his children. David (Rachel) Swinton, Dawn Swinton Rutledge, and his stepsons, Jeff (Lisa) Zeleji and Craig (Nickole) Zeleji. He has 13 grandchildren.  Jessica Swinton, Brianna Swinton Lewis (Austin), David Ryan Swinton (Meghan), Alex Swinton, Ashton Swinton, Dakota Swinton (Amanda), Jason Maverick Rutledge, Reyanna Rutledge, Kate Zeleji, Travis Zeleji, Kevin Rempe, Tyler Zeleji, Nathan Zeleji.   Great grandchildren: Meah Rempe, Eli Swinton, and Jasmine Swinton.  Sister-in-law, Karen Robinson (Danny Goldstein), Nephews, Tim Robinson, Michael Robinson, and nieces, Tammy Swinton Mahan and Meghan Robinson.

Dave’s family and friends will gather Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel.  Visiting hours are from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM.  A short service to follow for a celebration of life.  All are invited to a luncheon afterwards at Whispering Pines Golf Course.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Purdue University Scholarship (please see link below).  Please leave a message of comfort for Dave’s family on the guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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