William Steven Swain

William “Bill” Steven Swain, beloved husband of Jane Frederickson and devoted father of his son, Andrew, passed away on April 24, 2026 at the age of 85. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester W. Swain and Mary Ellen Ford, as well as his siblings, Lester Swain, Sally Jenkins, and Linda Mendez.

Born in Dickinson, South Dakota, and raised in North Bend, Oregon, alongside his three siblings, Bill went on to attend the University of Oregon, where he proudly played football for the Oregon Ducks.

Following college, Bill embarked on a career as a professional NFL linebacker. He played for the Los Angeles Rams (1963), the Minnesota Vikings (1964), the New York Giants (1965–1967), and the Detroit Lions (1968–1969). It was during this pivotal time that he met his best friend, Tucker Frederickson. Tucker would soon become his brother-in-law after introducing Bill to his sister, Jane—the true love of his life. After stepping away from professional football, Bill made his home in New York City, where he served as the Deputy Commissioner of Recreation for several years and owned a local bar named “Swain’s.”

Bill and Jane shared a beautiful marriage of  44 years. They eventually settled in the Jupiter-Tequesta area in 1981, where they raised their son, Andrew. Bill continued his professional life as a restaurant and property manager before retiring in 2010. He managed the restaurants Alex Webster’s and Michael’s Steakhouse in Tequesta.  An avid reader, Bill possessed a boundless capacity for kindness, caring deeply for every person and animal fortunate enough to cross his path.

After a long and courageous battle with dementia associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Bill has passed away. He will be remembered as a man of unwavering integrity who loved his family and friends profoundly, and who was deeply loved in return.