Arnold J. Swygert Sr., 80 DOVER - Arnold John Swygert Sr. was born on June 7, 1930, in Philadelphia, son of William Jackson Swygert and Gustina Rodgers Swygert. He attended South Philadelphia High School and joined the U.S. Air Force where he served his country with distinction for 24 years in eleven locations. After retiring from the military he managed the Appliance Department for the W.T. Grants department store in Dover, garnering several awards for sales excellence. After the store closed he formalized his love of history by attending Delaware State College (now University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science in 1978. He then began a third career as Manager of the Mail and Transportation Department for the First Omni Bank in Millsboro. When health issues forced his final retirement in 1990, Arnold filled his days with babysitting his granddaughters, reading, spectator sports, and doing volunteer work. He loved to travel and was a Civil War and Tuskegee Airmen buff. He also loved spending time with family, annual summer vacations on Martha's Vineyard, and exploring historical sites. As an avid sports fan, he attended many local sports events, and was particularly proud to see his nephew and two great-nephews play with professional baseball teams. He was actively involved as a member of several organizations, including the John H. Porter-First State Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Air Force Sergeants Association, 33rd District Democratic Committee, Central Delaware Democrat Club, Presbyterian Church of Dover, and the Delaware State University Alumni Association. In gratitude to the educational experience he received at Delaware State he established the annual Arnold Swygert Scholarship for History and Political Science majors at the university. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; son, Arnold Jr.; sister, Delores; and brothers, Gus, Kenny, Robert, and Dennis. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy; daughter, Angela Cosey; sons, Andre (Carol) and Alan (Chris); granddaughters, Nicole, Catrina, Gabre, Amelia, Suzy, and Jennifer; step-grandchildren, Phoebe, Ashley, Natasha, and Matthew; great-grandson, Broc; his large family of siblings including brothers, Leroy, Kalman, Patrick, Nick, Phillip, and Tony, and sisters, Constance, Barnita, and Denise; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Kent General Hospital-C North and Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna, for their compassionate care and comfort. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 19, at the Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State Street, Dover, with Pastor Reed officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be with military honors at the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Governors Ave., Dover. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home. www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com.