Edward Swikart Jr., 88, of Rumson, passed away peacefully at home Nov. 21. Born in Irvington to Edward Swikart Sr. and Evelyn Heyl Swikart, Ed lived in Rumson almost his entire life, graduating from Rumson High School. He and his sister Carol spent many happy days on the beach in Sea Bright and exploring the Shrewsbury River. Ed was also an alum of Lehigh University.
Ed loved sailing, crabbing, fishing and ANY job where he worked outside, but mostly he loved doing things with his family. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Anne Telfer Swikart. His children Edward Swikart III (wife Elizabeth), Mary Anne Daddono (husband William) and Robert Swikart (wife Alice) were his absolute greatest joy. There was never a game, a job or an errand that Ed would not do with and for them with enthusiasm. His family lovingly referred to him as “Rube Goldberg” for the creative ways he would find to solve problems. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Ed built an aviary and raised parakeets and finches for many years before it was destroyed by Super Storm Sandy.
Ed also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Molly, Jack, Shannon, Billy, Connor, Jillian, Sam, Kelsey and Kate. Each grandchild has a specific and special memory of a time with their grandfather. Ed became a great-grandfather with the birth of Liam Daddono two years ago.
Ed was a longtime member of Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club and Rumson Country Club. After spending many years commuting to New York City for work, Ed left the city in 1972 when he purchased Pauels Boatyard in Rumson which he owned and ran with help from his family for eight years. He then started his company, Applied Financial Resources, consulting and accounting for the NJ Marine Trade Association, E & K Insurance and Walsh Benefits.
Ed’s was a life well lived and the family looks forward to a celebration of that in the future when we can all gather together without restriction. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Aslan Youth Ministries, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
The article originally appeared in the December 3 – 9, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
