Phillip Steven Swegart
July 5, 1950 ~ October 28, 2012
Phillip Steven Swegart, 62, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at Springbrook Rehabilitation Center in Westbrook. Phil was born in Maquoketa, Iowa on July 5, 1950. He was the youngest son of Dr. Jack Swegart and Marion [Golden] Swegart. Phil was a graduate of St. John's Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts. After several years living on Cape Cod, he ventured on the Appalachian Trail and found himself in an apple orchard in Maine. From there, he moved to Portland where he bought a house on Munjoy Hill. It was in this great city that Phil established himself as a carpenter, building inspector, and musician. He was fondly known as "Fiddlin' Phil of Munjoy Hill." He was an accomplished fiddler and storyteller. Phil had a vast knowledge of old movies, especially John Wayne westerns and admired the work of filmmaker John Ford. Phil was in many bands over the years. He played for the Coon Cats the memorable night they opened for Dolly Parton at the Cumberland Civic Center. He was a member of the Sea Slugs, The Fogg Brothers, Rakish Paddy, the Half Moon, the Munjoy Hillbillies, and Bailey's Mistake. Besides the fiddle, Phil played the mandolin, and added vocals and witty repartee to performances. Phil was predeceased by his parents and his son Harlan Atherton Swegart. He is survived by his brothers Robert Swegart of Rome, Maine, John Swegart of Wichita, Kansas, sisters Michelle Brock-Fisher of Andover, Massachusetts, and Marina Brock of Harwich, Massachusetts. He will be sorely missed by his nephews Peter Swegart of Portland, Daniel Swegart of Manchester, New Hampshire, and niece Kathryn Landreneau of Alexandria, Louisiana. He was married to Constance Glende Swegart of Portland. Phil is also survived by Olivia Atherton, stepchildren Adam and Katrina Ferguson, Ariel O'Reilly, many nephews and loyal friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m, Saturday November 10 at Sacred Heart/St Dominic's Church, 65 Mellen St., Portland. Committal prayers and burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland. Arrangements are made under the care and direction of Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. It’s during times such as these that we can find comfort in the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9, 10 . . .’Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth’. Only God’s Kingdom can bring peace, happiness, perfect health, and everlasting life.
– Y Sims
Phillip was always the cool uncle in the eyes of our kids. He was not glitsy nor did he put on airs. He just looked right in his leather motorcycle jacket, leather touring cap, and John Lennon wire-rimmed glasses. He knew how to have fun at family parties telling stories about his larger-than-life Grandma Bauschmann from Scanton. His mother practically begged him to say something funny. Often he’d oblige by looking into his bag of tricks. He’d pull out a John Wayne or Jimmy Stewart impression. If he really wanted to bring down the house, he did his Julia Childs’ impression complete with her loon-like giggle. During his last year, we saw another side of Phillip. It was a quiet, gentle, thoughtful dimension. If we had trouble getting him to call back, we had a trick. We’d leave a message on his voicemail. Phil, we need your help or Peter needs your help. He’s call back within the hour. Nurses and social workers commented on how polite and gentle he was- a real gentleman. He said thank you for the smallest act of kindness- taking away his water glass or bringing the local newspaper which he liked to call The Portland Distressed Herald. Phillip went quietly into the next world. Connie and Troy sat in chairs through many overnight vigils. His big brother Bob grew closer over the last year. It literally made me cry to hear them say unabashedly to each other I love you Phil I love you Rob I was there when he made his peace with God and was annointed by akindly Father Regan.May Phil be at peace now, laughing with his family, meeting his dad Jack Swegart, and resting in God’s light.
– Kathryn Swegart
I shared many stages with Phil over the years, including that magical night at the Civic Center. He was genuine, bright, funny and honest with a big heart and laugh. And didn’t he like to tell a story or a joke! A real nice guy. So long buddy, you will be missed.
– Randall M
The ‘witty repartee’ is pure Phil! Phil was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known – and I am proud to say that that trait was inherited by our son. I will always remember him – and be thankful that he gave me the son I adored if only for a short time.
– Olivia Atherton